Ukraine's Suspension of Russian Oil to Hungary and Slovakia Sparks Controversy

Ukraine's decision to halt oil transit from Russia's Lukoil to Hungary and Slovakia adheres to Kyiv's sanctions on the company, not blackmail, says Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak. The suspension, linked to the Druzhba pipeline sanctions, has led to complaints from Hungary and Slovakia to the European Commission.

Ukraine's decision to suspend the transit of oil from Russian group Lukoil to Hungary and Slovakia was carried out in accordance with Kyiv's sanctions against the company and had nothing to do with blackmail, Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak told Reuters on Friday, rejecting a Hungarian statement.

Kyiv last month adopted sanctions that blocked the transit of Russian crude through the Druzhba pipeline. This move sparked fears of supply shortages in Hungary and Slovakia. On Monday, both countries took their complaint to the European Commission, urging it to use an association agreement to prevent Ukraine from blocking oil transit.

An aide to Hungary's prime minister on Friday accused Ukraine of blackmailing Hungary and Slovakia by halting oil deliveries. Podolyak countered, stating, "The situation with the suspension of Russian oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline to Hungary and Slovakia has nothing to do with blackmail in the Ukrainian version."

"Certainly, Hungary and Slovakia do not act as peacekeepers but instead seek concessions for Russia," Podolyak noted. He accused the neighboring countries of opposing the European Union's support for Kyiv in its conflict with Russia and suggested they should push the Kremlin to halt attacks on Ukrainian energy and transit infrastructure.

The Ukrainian energy sector has been severely impacted by ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks, leading to a 50% loss in generating capacity and widespread outages nationwide.