Shmyhal explains why Ukraine does not halt the transit of Russian oil

The suspension of Russian oil transit through Ukraine could have serious financial consequences for the state.

This was stated by Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, during the government Q&A session in the Verkhovna Rada.

The transit of oil through Ukraine is carried out in accordance with the terms of the Energy Charter Treaty and the Association Agreement with the EU, which guarantee the freedom of transit. It also complies with the requirements of the EU's sixth sanctions package, which includes exemptions for Hungary and Slovakia. 

Specifically, these countries were allowed to purchase Russian-origin oil and supply it to their refineries via pipelines.

"Accordingly, halting the transit of oil via the Druzhba pipeline would constitute a direct violation by Ukraine of the Energy Charter Treaty and the Association Agreement with the EU... 

At the same time, Ukraine's breach of its international transit security obligations could be used as sufficient grounds to hold Ukraine accountable for disrupting the reliable and uninterrupted transit of oil. This includes potential claims from Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, as well as the likely imposition of corresponding financial demands," the Prime Minister stated.

He noted that in such a scenario, international arbitration and the imposition of sanctions against Ukraine are possible. At the same time, Shmyhal emphasizes that the government is doing everything possible to end the trade of natural resources with Russia.

"My personal position is to cease trade in any Russian molecule. And that's it. And this position has been repeatedly articulated. It is a political position of the President and the government of our state," Shmyhal noted.

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