Hungary and Slovakia Seek EU Help in Oil Dispute

Hungary and Slovakia have called on the European Union to mediate in their dispute with Ukraine over Kyiv's decision to bar the transit of Russian crude oil through the Druzhba pipeline. The European Commission has convened a trade committee meeting to discuss the issue, which Hungary and Slovakia claim endangers their energy security and violates the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto labeled Ukraine's move 'unacceptable,' stating it puts their oil supply at fundamental risk. Slovakia's Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár echoed these concerns, emphasizing the exemption for pipeline oil imports. The EU has stated that there is no immediate impact on the bloc's oil supply and is gathering more information before making any decisions. The dispute arises amidst broader tensions due to Hungary's close ties with Moscow and recent actions that have frustrated other EU members.