Ukraine Upholds Lukoil Sanctions, Saying They Pose No Threat to Slovakia

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has commented on recent discussions with Slovak counterpart Robert Fico regarding Ukraine's restrictions on the transit of Russian "Lukoil" oil to Slovakia and Hungary.

Shmyhal shared this information on his social media.

The Ukrainian Prime Minister emphasized that Kyiv insists on its partners' maximum rejection of Russian oil but remains a reliable transit partner "for all countries that value freedom and the rule of law" and "unequivocally fulfills the Association Agreement with the EU."

"The sanctions imposed by the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine do not pose a threat to Slovakia's energy security or to Europe as a whole, which is why their removal is not up for discussion. Thus, we have complete understanding from Brussels on this issue," he stressed.

In contrast, Shmyhal pointed out that the real threat to Slovakia's energy security comes from "Russia, its hybrid energy war against the Slovak people, its blackmail, and political ultimatums."

"Slovakia is our reliable partner, from whom we do not expect blackmail or threats. Threatening Ukraine, which is defending itself from an aggressor, in order to allow a terrorist state to continue earning its bloody profits is a dubious path," he said.

The Ukrainian Prime Minister announced another intergovernmental meeting between Ukraine and Slovakia in October, where he hopes for a "constructive, pragmatic dialogue."

"Thank you to my colleague, Mr. Fico, for the important and constructive discussions. I am confident that we will find mutually beneficial solutions for Ukraine, for Slovakia, and for Europe," he concluded.

Shmyhal's statement came after Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico threatened consequences if Kyiv does not resume the transit of Russian "Lukoil" oil.