Slovakia threatens retaliation over Ukraine's oil transit ban
2:17 PM EDT, July 24, 2024
The President of Slovakia, Peter Pellegrini, criticized Ukraine's ban on transporting oil through the Russian company Lukoil via the Druzhba pipeline and threatened "retaliatory actions." "If the situation is not rectified, we will have to respond," said the president, adding that Slovakia does not deserve such treatment from Kyiv.
The ban affects oil supplies from the Russian company Lukoil, which Ukraine halted last week. About 33 percent of Hungary's oil imports and roughly 40-45 percent of Slovakia's oil imports come from Lukoil supplies through Ukraine.
Slovakian President Peter Pellegrini and Slovak Defense Minister Robert Kaliniak harshly criticize Ukraine for this decision. According to the Defense Minister, Kyiv is "taking a big risk" with this move. The president acknowledged that Slovakia "could take unspecified retaliatory measures if the situation persists."
Slovakia "did not deserve" such treatment
He reminded that Slovakia helped Ukraine maintain gas reserves and is aiding it with electricity supplies.
- If the situation does not improve, we will have to respond - said the president, adding that Slovakia "does not deserve such treatment from Kyiv." - Ukraine's actions were irresponsible - added Kaliniak.
On Monday, Hungary and Slovakia called on the European Commission to respond to Ukraine's decision regarding Russian Lukoil. According to Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár, Ukraine "violated the association agreement with the EU" in this way.
Criticism from all sides
Blanár, like Prime Minister Robert Fico, criticized the sanctions against Russia, claiming that they have a more significant negative impact on the EU and Slovakia than on Moscow. He reminded that Slovakia has an exemption for importing Russian oil until the end of the year, and Ukraine is currently preventing its use.
According to the government, such actions by Kyiv will significantly increase fuel prices in Slovakia.
The day before, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said he would block 6.5 billion euros ($6.9 billion) in payments from the European Peace Facility as compensation for arms supplies to Ukraine until "the problem with Lukoil oil transit is resolved."
