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BRATISLAVA – Ukrainian measures related to the suspension of oil transit from Russia, supplied to Slovakia and Hungary, are a violation of the provision of the association agreement concluded between the European Union (EU) and Ukraine. This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs, Juraj Blanár (Smer-SD).
“The EU Commission has the role of guardian of treaties and compliance with EU law, which Ukraine, as an associated state, is also obliged to follow. We therefore consider it necessary for the commission to act immediately in this case,” said Blanár. He reminded that in the framework of EU sanctions against Russia, Slovakia has an exemption for the import of oil until the end of the year. “The Ukrainian side prevented us from applying this exemption,” emphasized the Slovak Minister of Foreign Affairs. He also points to statements from within the Ukrainian parliament that the aim of the measure is to create pressure on Hungary, which should change its stance on arms supplies to Ukraine or Ukraine’s entry into the EU. “We reject that Slovakia becomes a political tool against Hungary or any state. We will definitely defend ourselves and use all possibilities of European law,” added Blanár.
The suspension of oil supplies from the Russian supplier Lukoil was confirmed last week by the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic. The Bratislava refinery Slovnaft also took oil from the supplier. However, according to the ministry, it has secured supplies of Russian oil from another supplier and has also ordered supplies from alternative sources. The suspension of supplies was also criticized by the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, Robert Fico (Smer-SD), who also turned to his Ukrainian counterpart, Denys Shmyhal, in this matter. (July 22)