Feb 27 • 14:56 UTC 🇵🇱 Poland Rzeczpospolita

Without friendship in the matter of 'Friendship'. Robert Fico: We have the right to this oil

Hungary and Slovakia face supply disruptions due to their continued reliance on Russian oil, leading to alternative sourcing and strategic reserves opening up.

The article discusses the impact of the January 27 disruption of the 'Friendship' oil pipeline, which serves as a key supply line for Hungary and Slovakia, the only two European Union countries still importing Russian oil. Following a Russian attack, these nations have been forced to seek alternatives, including turning to strategic reserves. The Hungarian oil company MOL, which also operates the Slovnaft refinery in Slovakia, is now ordering tankers carrying oil from various countries, including Saudi Arabia, Norway, Kazakhstan, Libya, and even Russia, via the Croatian pipeline.

In response to the ongoing energy crisis fueled by geopolitical tensions, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has issued an open letter to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressing grievances over the situation. Despite rapidly seeking oil from non-Russian sources, both governments appear intent on maintaining financial ties to Russia's war efforts, indicating a reluctance to completely sever energy dependencies. They blame Ukraine and President Zelenskyy for the prolonged interruption in oil supplies, which has become a significant diplomatic issue during the four-year conflict with Russia.

The tension over energy supplies highlights the complexities of the energy landscape in Central Europe, where historical ties and economic interests often conflict with the political landscape shaped by the ongoing war in Ukraine. As Hungary and Slovakia navigate their energy needs while attempting to balance geopolitical pressures, the implications of their decisions will extend beyond national borders, potentially impacting European energy security and regional alliances, raising questions about the future of energy independence in a conflict-driven environment.

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