The foreign ministers of Hungary and Slovakia have formally requested Croatia to permit the transportation of oil to their countries through the Adria pipeline. This plea comes in response to disruptions in the flow of Russian crude oil via the Druzhba pipeline, which has been halted due to extensive Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that both Hungary and Slovakia have been advocating for the ability to purchase affordable Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline. He emphasized that the current situation necessitates alternative routes, particularly maritime transport, if the pipeline remains non-operational.
“This exemption from sanctions also implies that if transportation via the pipeline becomes impossible, we can still receive Russian oil by sea,” Szijjártó remarked, suggesting that the lack of oil supply restoration from Ukraine is politically motivated.
Szijjártó, alongside Slovak Economy Minister Denisa Saková, has reached out to Croatian Economy Minister Ante Šušnjara, urging immediate action to allow the transport of Russian oil through the Adria pipeline in accordance with EU regulations.
“The security of energy supply for any country should not be an ideological issue. We expect that the Croatians, unlike the Ukrainians, will not jeopardize the security of oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia for political reasons,” he added.
In related developments, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico recently accused Ukraine of politically blackmailing Hungary by obstructing the Druzhba pipeline’s operations. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha indicated that Hungary is preparing to lodge another complaint regarding the transit issues with the Druzhba pipeline.
Last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested to Prime Minister Fico that Slovakia should limit gas supplies to Ukraine through reverse flows and electricity from Europe, aiming to pressure Kyiv to cease attacks on energy infrastructure leading westward.
Hungary and Slovakia are seeking Croatia's approval to transport Russian oil via the Adria pipeline due to disruptions in the Druzhba pipeline. This request highlights ongoing tensions surrounding energy supply security in the region.
Source: Європейська правда