Hungary and Slovakia

Hungary and Slovakia's appeal to the EU for support in their dispute with Ukraine over the transit ban on Russian Lukoil oil has been rejected, leaving them isolated among EU member states. The European Commission, led by Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis, stated that more time is needed to assess the legal situation, with 11 other member states backing this position. Hungary's Foreign Minister criticized Ukraine's actions as jeopardizing energy security and breaching the EU-Ukraine association agreement, claiming that the halt in oil shipments could significantly impact their economies. In response, Hungary has threatened to block €6.5 billion in European military aid to Ukraine until the issue is resolved. Despite the ban, Ukraine insists that oil flows remain unchanged through the pipeline, citing other suppliers. Bulgaria has offered assistance to Hungary in managing the fallout from this situation.