In private conversations, EU diplomats have expressed irritation at Hungary and Slovakia’s intentions to use EU procedures to maintain their access to cheap Russian oil, contrary to the bloc’s general policy, writes Politico. Several diplomats are angry, saying it is not their problem.
Hungary and Slovakia have taken advantage of sanctions exemptions to continue receiving Russian oil. Hungary even increased oil imports from the Russian Federation, which angered many.
After the EC effectively refused Hungary and Slovakia’s bid to force official negotiations with Ukraine regarding its ban on the transit of Russian oil due to its sanctions on Lukoil, noting that the EC needed more time to assess the situation, both countries resorted to threats. Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Peter Szijjarto, said that his country would block military aid to Ukraine until the sanctions were lifted.
At the same time, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico noted: “If the transit of Russian oil through Ukraine is not restored soon, Slovnaft will stop supplying diesel fuel, which provides 10% of Ukrainian consumption.”