Slovak Prime Minister threatens to stop diesel fuel supplies to Ukraine due to disruptions in Lukoil oil transit
Photo: Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Getty Images)
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico met today with Ukrainian Ambassador Myroslav Kastran. During the conversation, he threatened Ukraine with consequences if Kyiv does not restore the oil transit of Russian Lukoil, according to a statement from the Slovak Prime Minister.
During his address, the Slovak Prime Minister mentioned that he discussed the issue of Lukoil supplies with the Ukrainian ambassador. The meeting was also attended by Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár and State Secretary Marek Eštok.
"If the transit of Russian oil through Ukraine is not restored soon, Slovnaft will not continue supplying diesel fuel to Ukraine, which covers one-tenth of Ukrainian consumption," he said.
Fico also added that the resumption of Russian oil supplies is related to a "technical solution," but it must involve several countries.
"The European Union, if it wants to move beyond total dependence on the United States, will need to consider forms of cooperation with the Russian Federation that involve collaboration in strategic raw materials," he stated.
Sanctions against Lukoil
Last week, Hungary and Slovakia announced the cessation of oil supplies from the Russian company Lukoil through Ukraine. The reason was Kyiv's decision to place the company on the sanctions list.
Hungary and Slovakia have asked the European Commission to begin consultations regarding a trade agreement with Ukraine.
However, EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis stated that Brussels will need more time to gather evidence and assess the legal situation.
Meanwhile, the head of the board of Naftogaz of Ukraine, Oleksii Chernyshov, stated that the volumes of supplies to European countries have not changed, as the resource from the sanctioned company has been replaced with oil from other owners.
