Hungary accuses Ukraine

Hungary and Slovakia have accused Ukraine of blackmailing them by halting oil deliveries from Russian company Lukoil, following these nations' decision to stop imports due to Ukraine's sanctions. Gergely Gulyas, an aide to Hungary's Prime Minister, warned that without a resolution, a fuel shortage could occur by September. Both countries have appealed to the European Commission, arguing that an association agreement prevents Ukraine from blocking oil transits. Slovak officials echoed these sentiments, emphasizing their opposition to Ukraine's actions and stating that Slovakia will not be used as a pawn in the conflict. The European Commission's response has been to delay mediation while it assesses the legal situation surrounding the sanctions and transit restrictions. With Lukoil previously supplying up to 50% of their oil, the situation poses significant risks for the economies of both countries.