Hungary and Slovakia stopped supplying diesel fuel to Ukraine for refusing transit of Russian oil
Hungary and Slovakia have suspended diesel fuel exports to Ukraine after the cessation of Russian oil supplies via the "Druzhba" pipeline. Both countries stated that the cessation of supplies is due to the need to ensure their own energy supply after the pipeline was damaged as a result of a Russian airstrike on Ukrainian territory on January 27, Euronews reports .
Prime Ministers of Hungary and Slovakia Viktor Orbán and Robert Fico. Photo: AP Photo/Denes Erdos
Hungary also accused Ukraine of political blackmail and interference. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó noted that Ukraine has the necessary resources and time to repair the pipeline, and the refusal to resume oil supplies is a political decision by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He stressed that diesel fuel supplies to Ukraine will not be resumed until Ukraine restores the pipeline's operation.
Slovakia has taken similar measures: the state oil refinery Slovnaft is stopping all export supplies of diesel fuel to meet the needs of the domestic market. In addition, Slovakia has allocated 250,000 tons of oil from its emergency reserves. Slovak representatives stated that everything processed in the country is exclusively for domestic consumption.
Both countries appealed to the European Commission asking for permission to transport Russian oil through Croatian ports to ensure supplies, but Croatia refused, citing possible violations of American sanctions. At the same time, the European Commission states that the energy security of Hungary and Slovakia is not under threat, as both countries have sufficient oil reserves.
Ukraine, meanwhile, has faced a severe energy crisis: infrastructure damage caused by Russian strikes during the winter period has led to a deficit of energy resources, exacerbating tensions over oil supplies and transit through the country.
Comments