Ukraine has expressed its willingness to participate in consultations with the European Union regarding the transit of Russian Lukoil oil, should Brussels decide to activate the appropriate mechanism.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi made this statement during a briefing. Commenting on the ban on Lukoil oil transit through Ukraine, which has drawn criticism from Hungary and Slovakia, the spokesperson emphasized Ukraine’s value for cooperation with its European neighbors. He expressed gratitude for their contribution to sanctioning Russia, supporting regional stability, and diversifying energy supplies.
“We confirm our readiness to join consultations under the early warning mechanism of the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement, if the European Commission decides to activate it,” Tykhyi stated.
Hungary and Slovakia obtained exemptions from the EU-wide ban on Russian oil imports following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. However, Kyiv recently halted the transit of Lukoil oil products through the Druzhba pipeline.
Ukraine maintains that the overall volume of oil flowing through the pipeline remains unchanged due to supplies from other Russian companies.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico met with Ukrainian Ambassador Myroslav Kastran on July 29, threatening consequences if Kyiv does not resume Lukoil oil transit.
Budapest has threatened to block €6.5 billion in payments from the European Peace Facility, intended for compensating Ukraine for arms supplies, until the Lukoil oil transit issue is resolved.
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