(MENAFN) Slovak Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok has strongly criticized Ukraine for what he describes as unacceptable actions amounting to blackmail against Slovakia and Hungary. The dispute arises from Ukraine's decision to halt oil supplies from Russia to its neighboring countries through the Druzhba pipeline, citing sanctions imposed on Russian energy giant Lukoil.

In a video message posted on social media, Minister Sutaj Estok condemned Ukraine's move, asserting that Slovakia and Hungary should not be drawn into the tensions between Ukraine and Russia. He emphasized his refusal to let Slovakia become a pawn in this bilateral dispute, highlighting the economic and geopolitical implications for his country.

The Slovak Prime Minister, Robert Fico, also intervened by speaking directly with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmigal to emphasize Slovakia's stance of not becoming entangled in Ukrainian-Russian relations. President Peter Pellegrini echoed similar sentiments, noting Slovakia's past assistance to Ukraine in energy supplies and expressing disappointment over the disruption caused by Kiev's decision.

Both Slovakia and Hungary, as members of the European Union, were granted exemptions from the European Union-wide ban on Russian oil imports imposed in 2022. Previously, Russian energy giant Lukoil supplied up to 50 percent of the oil needs for these two countries. Following the suspension of oil transit by Ukraine, Budapest and Bratislava have appealed to the European Commission to mediate and resolve the situation with Kiev.

The escalation of this oil supply dispute underscores the complexities and sensitivities surrounding energy security and diplomatic relations in Eastern Europe. International observers are closely monitoring developments as efforts continue to find a diplomatic resolution that ensures stability and continuity in regional energy supplies.

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