By halting the transit of crude oil to Hungary and Slovakia, Ukraine is blackmailing the countries that consistently speak out in favour of an immediate ceasefire and peace talks, the head of the Prime Minister’s Office said on Friday.
Speaking at a government press briefing, Gergely Gulyás said Ukraine’s “blackmail” of Hungary and Slovakia for their pro-peace positions was “unfair” and in violation of its agreements with the European Union.
He said this posed a serious danger to the security of Hungary’s and Slovakia’s energy supply. “There’s no need to panic right now because our reserves are at a high level,” Gulyás said, adding however that the situation must be resolved by September.
Ukraine oil delivery curbs breach EU agreement
Ukrainian restrictions on crude deliveries breach numerous provisions of the EU association agreement, János Bóka, the EU affairs minister, told a government news briefing on Friday.
When it comes to cases requiring urgent measures, the European Commission will launch a consultation process with Ukraine within three days at the initiative of member states, though arbitration can also be initiated in the absence of a satisfactory outcome, the minister said.
Hungary is also examining whether the crude delivery restrictions breach WTO and Energy Charter rules, Bóka added.
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Ukraine keep “blackmailing” Hungary all you can and give the Fidesz bandits the same treatment they have been giving you for two years as you fight for your lives against the Russian invasion. Fidesz and unfortunately Hungary itself fully deserves every bit of punishment it gets. If ordinary Hungarians have to suffer over this by paying more to fill up their cars it is nothing compared to the suffering Hungary has done to Ukrainians by preventing their men from having the weapons to defend themselves at the front line. Work for the enemy and this is what is coming to you eventually
Perhaps Ukraine feels the route to a meaningful peace isn’t that envisaged in the corridors of Budapest? For country that’s terribly concerned about its sovereignity being infringed, it’s doing a good job infringing on the soveriegnity of Ukraine to prosecute a war as they see fit in the quest of defending their homeland. With or without outside help, they will fight to the last man.
It strikes me it’s also the sovereign right of Ukraine to decide whose oil it’s willing to transmit via pipelines on its own territory. Sovereign means just that, free to make decisions in the national interest, even if it negatively impacts on other countries, no different to the approach Hungary has been taking these last two years.
Does not matter what Ukraine does or wants. Bulgari and Serbia provide alternative transport routes. Hungary provides 42% electricity and 10% diesel to Ukraine. Let us stop helping an enemy nation. Electricity can be sold to many different countries.
Ukraine is losing, so they are trying to make trouble for Slovakia and Hungary. Hungary should help Slovakia.
Hungary should always support Israel and stop EU from interfering on behalf of the terrorist population of Gaza.
Best of luck with finding alternative routes for oil deliveries having squandered 2 years cosying up to the Russian bear. Fact is, what alternative pipeline routes exist have no supply agreements in place at the other end. There could have been, but nothing was done. I’d question if their capacity is even sufficient to compensate for the loss of Lukoil supplies via Druzhba. Step 2 will be Ukraine turning off all supplies and Hungary can go and flush its oil supply deal with Russia down the lavatory. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Druzhba pipeline will be blown up by Ukraine with the finger of blame being pointed at a Russian missle strike. Hungary says it wants peace but it has virtually declared war on its neighbour by siding with its adversary, it cannot expect any goodwill at this point. And how do you propose Hungary helps Slovakia when it’ll be unable to meet its own basic requirement for crude oil? Ukraine hasn’t lost here, Hungary has, big style. Moreover, if the pipeline is damaged, the losing position is permanent.
Larry, Londonsteve, do not worry. Hungary will manage. Start transporting energy from Serbia. Bulgaria also wants to help Hungary. All Ukraine did was alienate more countries.
Hungary should withdraw all electricity and diesel from Ukraine.