Hungary steps back from threat to cut Ukraine electricity citing concern for Hungarians in Zakarpattia
Feb 22nd 2026
Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said Hungary will act with caution on electricity exports to avoid harming ethnic Hungarians in Zakarpattia after a government energy council meeting, while Budapest continues pressure over the Druzhba oil pipeline dispute.
- Szijjártó said Hungary must act with special caution on electricity exports to avoid harming ethnic Hungarians in Zakarpattia.
- He said nearly half of Ukraine's electricity imports come from Hungary.
- The remarks followed a government energy council meeting on Sunday that also discussed suspending Russian oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline.
- Budapest has threatened to cut supplies, suspended diesel exports, and blocked a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine.
- Szijjártó said Hungary's dispute is with the Ukrainian state and government, not with the people, and that Budapest will block the EU's 20th sanctions package over the pipeline dispute.