Slovakia and Hungary Criticize Ukraine’s Russian Oil Transit Ban

Ukrainian sanctions against Russian “Lukoil,” which led to the cessation of its oil transit through Ukraine to Slovakia and Hungary, have become a subject of sharp criticism from Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. He considers these sanctions “senseless” and argues that they harm not Russia, but primarily European Union countries like Slovakia and Hungary.

Fico noted that halting oil supplies to the Slovnaft refinery, owned by the Hungarian group MOL and providing a significant portion of fuel and lubricants to Slovakia, could lead to serious economic problems. He emphasized that this decision will impact not only Slovakia’s market but could also lead to a reduction in oil product supplies to Ukraine, which constitute nearly 10% of its total consumption.

The Prime Minister also pointed out that Slovakia has no intention of becoming a hostage to Ukrainian-Russian relations and that these sanctions endanger not only Slovakia’s energy security but also that of Hungary.

Meanwhile, Hungary has also sharply reacted to the situation. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó mentioned the possibility of filing a lawsuit due to the country’s energy security being threatened. He believes that Ukraine’s decision violates the Association Agreement with the EU and jeopardizes oil product deliveries to two EU member states.

It’s worth noting that Ukrainian sanctions against “Lukoil” were intensified in June 2024, leading to a ban on its oil transit through Ukraine to the EU. This decision has caused serious concern in the Hungarian and Slovak governments, which consider themselves victims of these sanctions without having any influence over them.