Slovakia`s leader threatens Ukraine
Date
7/25/2024 5:19:03 AM
(MENAFN) Slovakia's President, Peter Pellegrini, has issued a stern warning to Ukraine, suggesting that retaliatory measures could be taken if Kiev continues to disrupt Russian oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline. The pipeline disruption, initiated by Ukraine last week, has impacted Slovakia and Hungary, both heavily reliant on this oil supply, which meets up to 40% of their energy needs.
In a statement to reporters on Wednesday, President Pellegrini characterized Ukraine's actions as an unwelcome interference in bilateral relations, expressing hope that Ukraine would swiftly resolve the situation. He hinted at potential countermeasures by Slovakia, emphasizing the need to protect its energy security but refraining from specifying the nature of such measures. Pellegrini emphasized that any escalation would not be beneficial for Ukraine or its citizens.
Highlighting Slovakia's previous support for Ukraine through gas reverse flows and electricity exports, Pellegrini underscored the cooperative efforts between the two nations in energy matters. Slovakian Defense Minister Robert Kalinak echoed the president's concerns, criticizing Ukraine's actions as irresponsible and warning of potential consequences.
While the European Union had previously banned seaborne oil imports from Russia in December 2022, pipeline deliveries were exempted from this embargo to ensure stable oil supplies for landlocked European Union countries like Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.
The situation underscores the delicate balance of energy dependencies and geopolitical tensions in the region, as Slovakia navigates its response while advocating for the stability of critical energy infrastructures amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue.
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