Hungary Seeks Resolution on Russian Oil Dispute

Hungary is in a dispute with Ukraine over the halted transfer of Russian oil from Lukoil, which has raised concerns about potential fuel shortages in Hungary and Slovakia. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's chief of staff, Gergely Gulyás, accused Ukraine of 'blackmailing' the two countries by blocking these deliveries, which are crucial for their energy security. Gulyás outlined three potential solutions: persuading Ukraine to lift the sanctions, seeking assistance from the European Commission, or finding a legal loophole for oil transfer by unaffected companies. Hungary and Slovakia have formally requested mediation from the European Commission regarding this issue. The situation remains urgent, with Hungary aiming to resolve the impasse by September to prevent an energy crisis.