Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has issued a warning that Bratislava will cease its supply of diesel to Ukraine if the country fails to restore oil flow through its territory from Russian energy company Lukoil. In June, Kiev blocked the transit via pipeline of Russian crude sold by Lukoil to Central Europe. Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic had set up exemptions for sanctions by the EU, allowing these countries extra time to find alternatives for their reliance on Russian oil.
Prime Minister Fico stated in a Facebook video message that if the transit of Russian crude through Ukraine is not renewed shortly, Slovnaft will discontinue its supplies of diesel to Ukraine. He noted that Slovak deliveries account for approximately 10% of Ukraine’s diesel consumption. In a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Denis Shmygal, Fico proposed a technical solution to restore the halted flow of crude from Russia, though he provided no specific details on this proposal.
According to Xinhua news agency, restoring at least partial access to Russian oil is crucial for the Bratislava-based Slovnaft refinery. Alternative sources of oil are more expensive and may not be technologically compatible with the refiner’s operations. Ukraine imposed sanctions on Lukoil on June 24, including freezing assets, limiting trade operations, and implementing a “partial or complete cessation of resource transit.
Unofficial reports suggest that Ukraine’s embargo may have an additional purpose: to pressure Hungary, which has vocally opposed the EU policy of sending money and weapons to Ukraine. Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government has also vowed to block Kiev’s application for membership of the bloc and NATO.
Ukraine’s actions have led to concerns over potential supply shortages in Budapest, which relies heavily on Russia for its oil imports – approximately 70% of Hungary’s oil comes from Russia, with half of that amount sourced from Lukoil. Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov has accused Ukraine of making a “political decision” and claimed the situation is “critical” for those still purchasing Russian oil.