Slovakia threatens ‘reciprocal measures’ after Ukraine halts transit of Russian oil

Source: Dennikn

On Wednesday, Slovakia threatened it will target Ukraine with “reciprocal measures”  after Kyiv moved to halt decision to halt the transit of Russian oil to this eastern European country. Slovak president Peter Pellegrini and defense minister Robert Kaliňák didn’t mince words.

Pellegrini said Bratislava may take “reciprocal measures,” if the situation is not swiftly resolved. He also mentioned that his country had helped Ukraine when its economy was facing gas and power shortages.

The country’s defense minister Kaliňák warned Kyiv is “putting a lot at risk” and called the pipeline blockade an ‘irresponsible’ move.

Kyiv halted the transit of Russian “Lukoil” company oil to Slovakia, claiming the company had been earlier targeted wtih sanctions over its support of the Kremlin’s policies in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Maria Pavlusik, spokesperson for Slovak economy ministry, tried to add clarity to the situation. She said Ukraine has only blocked the transit of Lukoil fuel.

Slovak officials are now working with Ukraine to resolve the issues as in the long run the pipeline blockade can cripple the output of the refinery in Bratislava, added Pavlusik.