Fitzo offered Schmygal a “technical solution” for Russian oil transit
27 July 2024 05:36
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fitzo has had a telephone conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart Denys Shmygal. During the conversation, he shared with him a “technical solution” to the issue of banning the transit of Russian Lukoil’s oil through Ukrainian territory. This Fitzo said in social networks, informs "Komersant Ukrainian"
“I offered our Ukrainian partner a technical solution, which would have to involve several countries, including Slovakia. The restoration of transit of some Russian oil is extremely important for the Slovnaft refinery, as alternative sources of oil are more expensive and may even be technologically unsuitable.”
– he reported.
The Slovak prime minister added that intensive negotiations on this issue would take place in the coming hours and days.
The press service of the Ukrainian government has not yet reported on the telephone conversation between the government leaders.
We would like to point out that the European Commission confirmed that it had received a request from the foreign ministers of Hungary and Slovakia to stop Lukoil’s oil transit through Ukraine.
The European Commission is now studying the situation, but it does not see any danger for Europe.
“Lukoil is one of several Russian companies that supply oil to Hungary through the southern part of the Druzhba pipeline in Ukraine.
Russian supplies now account for two-thirds of the crude oil that Hungary’s Mol Nyrt has. However, the company hopes to fully replace them from 2025.
Hungary has intensified energy ties with Russia since its invasion of Ukraine, signing several agreements to increase natural gas supplies.
The UK and EU countries are reportedly planning to take new measures against Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”, which it uses to transport oil to circumvent international sanctions.
