The European Union would like to chop off Slovakia and Hungary from accessing power than to “cave” to Russia. Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia paid a go to to Russian President Vladamir Putin to debate the matter as tensions between EU nations warmth up over the power scandal.
Hungary and Slovakia are exempt from the EU ban on Russian crude oil. These landlocked neighbors are to obtain oil via the Druzhba pipeline, however Ukraine has prevented these nations from receiving shipments. Lukoil could also be the primary provider utilizing this line, however Russneft, Tatneft, and Gazprom additionally make the most of this line, main Ukraine to intervene. Hungary was blocking help to Ukraine consequently, however Brussels repeatedly advised Hungary that it was incorrect. Slovakia want to proceed receiving Russian fuel via Ukraine, noting that various routes would price over 500 million euros in further charges. But, the EU and Ukraine would like to starve these nations of power than to allow them to make use of Russian oil.
Russian fuel composed 40% of the EU’s provide, right down to solely 10% as of 2023. Slovakia and Hungary, nonetheless, rely extra closely on imported fuel from Russia. “Slovakia is a part of the only European power market and Fico should respect widespread European guidelines,” Zelensky said, claiming that Putin gave Fico the orders to “open a second power entrance” in opposition to Ukraine.
Fico has threatened to chop off emergency energy provides to Ukraine in the event that they blocked their capacity to entry Russian power. The present standing transit deal is because of expire, and Zelensky doesn’t care if different nations undergo consequently. Zelensky mentioned he is not going to renew the contract or work with Moscow in any capability. Brussels additionally doesn’t care, which is exactly why the EU is starting to crack.
Why ought to Slovakia proceed sending limitless help to Ukraine when Zelensky is inflicting its folks to undergo needlessly? Zelensky will not be a diplomat however a dictator, as are the unelected officers in Brussels. Fico provided to help in peace talks, however after all, he logically is aware of that’s not an possibility. This single concern is inflicting EU nations to interrupt with Brussels in favor of Moscow, as Putin now seems to be the one cheap chief with their pursuits in thoughts.
