Ukraine Condemns 'Ultimatums' from Hungary and Slovakia Amid Escalating Attacks and Russian Strikes
Ukraine's foreign ministry has condemned actions by Hungary and Slovakia, describing them as "ultimatums and blackmail." This follows threats from both governments to halt electricity supplies to Ukraine unless Russian oil flows restart, with Hungary also threatening to block a €90 billion Ukrainian war loan.
Russian oil shipments to Hungary and Slovakia have been interrupted since January 27, which Kyiv attributes to a Russian drone strike on pipeline equipment in western Ukraine. Both Hungary and Slovakia have accused Ukraine of delaying the restart without presenting evidence.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry's statement specified that the country "rejects and condemns the ultimatums and blackmail" and suggested such demands should be directed at the Kremlin.
Slovakia and Hungary are the sole EU members still significantly dependent on Russian oil delivered via the Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline through Ukraine. This situation represents a notable dispute between Ukraine and two EU/NATO neighbors whose leaders have maintained ties with Moscow, diverging from the general pro-Ukrainian sentiment in Europe. Slovak leader Robert Fico has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of acting "maliciously" towards Slovakia.
Escalating Attacks and Security Incidents
Kyiv experienced multiple powerful explosions early Sunday after officials warned of a potential ballistic missile attack, prompting residents to seek shelter. Air defense units were reported to be engaging drones over the broader Kyiv region. No immediate casualties were reported.
These explosions occurred following incidents in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv overnight, which resulted in the death of one policewoman and injuries to at least 15 individuals.
Local authorities on Sunday characterized the event as an "act of terror."
The blasts took place shortly after police responded to a reported break-in at a city center shop around 12:30 AM. The first explosion struck upon the arrival of the initial patrol, with a second blast occurring as another crew reached the scene. Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovy confirmed the casualties and described the event as an "act of terror."
International Perspectives and Military Actions
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has advocated for the immediate deployment of non-combat troops by the UK and its European allies to Ukraine. Johnson suggested these troops should operate in peaceful regions in non-fighting capacities, aiming to demonstrate Western commitment to Ukraine's freedom and independence. These comments were made ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Ukraine carried out a strike against a major missile factory located deep within Russia, specifically the Votkinsk plant in Russia's Udmurt Republic, which resulted in 11 reported injuries. Ukraine's General Staff confirmed the use of Ukrainian-made FP-5 "Flamingo" cruise missiles in the attack. Russia subsequently suspended flights at airports in and near the region. Additionally, Ukraine reported a strike on a gas plant in Samara, Russia.
Approximately 2,000 people marched in Paris on Saturday to express support for Ukraine, days before the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion. Demonstrators chanted slogans supporting Ukraine and calling for the confiscation of frozen Russian assets.
European Parliament member Raphael Glucksmann stated that there is "massive" support for Ukraine in France, though he noted that "sounds of giving up" are emerging within the French political class, particularly from the far left and far right.