Kremlin calls Ukraine’s blocking of Russian oil “energy blackmail”

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described Ukraine’s suspension of Russian oil shipments to Hungary as “energy blackmail” during a briefing.

He stated that Ukraine is applying a certain degree of energy-related pressure on Hungary, an EU member, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Peskov added that issues with Russian oil deliveries to Hungary and the potential rerouting through Croatia are matters handled at the corporate level between companies with contractual obligations. 

“These are, of course, issues discussed at the corporate level by companies responsible for supplies and bound by contracts,” he noted.

Despite the EU’s position, Hungary and Slovakia have continued purchasing Russian energy at favourable prices, but Ukraine blocked the Druzhba pipeline carrying the shipments. 

In response, the governments of Hungary and Slovakia requested Croatia to facilitate oil transit via the Adriatic pipeline, which Zagreb approved.

Peskov emphasised that Russia continues to maintain contacts with European buyers of its oil, despite the difficulties caused by Ukraine’s actions.

By Jeyhun Aghazada