Slovakia Asserts Independence Amid Ukraine-Russia Tensions

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico declared that Slovakia will not be a 'hostage' to Ukraine-Russia relations. This statement comes after Ukraine added Russian group Lukoil to its sanctions list, disrupting oil deliveries to Slovakia. The move affects Slovakia’s Slovnaft refinery, which may impact local and Ukrainian markets.

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico has made it clear that his country will not be a 'hostage' in the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia. This declaration was made during a phone call with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal following Kyiv's decision to place Russian group Lukoil on its sanctions list, leading to halted oil deliveries.

This disruption has affected Slovakia and Hungary, both of which have stopped receiving oil from Lukoil. For Slovakia, the loss is significant for its Slovnaft refinery, owned by Hungarian oil and gas group MOL, now receiving 40% less oil for processing. This shortage could result in decreased diesel supplies destined for Ukraine.

Fico's office criticized the sanctions as 'senseless,' asserting that they harm European Union member states more than Russia. Fico, a long-time critic of sanctions against Russia, has also halted direct state military aid to Ukraine since his return to office last year. Despite EU sanctions on Russian crude, Slovakia has been granted exemptions to transition to alternative sources.

(With inputs from agencies.)