'No legal grounds not to do it': expert on whether Ukraine can halt Russian oil transit

He expressed this opinion on Espreso TV.

"We can see that Europeans have already imposed sanctions on Russia themselves, and it’s clear that if they imposed sanctions, Ukraine can also impose them. Of course, Hungary and Slovakia were exceptions, but the Association Agreement and Energy Community Agreement don't state that during a large-scale aggression, Ukraine must provide transit services to the aggressor country. It’s not stated anywhere, this is essentially force majeure, an irresistible circumstance, and every international contract includes a corresponding clause. Therefore, in my opinion, Ukraine can confidently use this clause and halt transit supplies, as war is war, and a victim of aggression is not obligated to provide oil transit services or allow the aggressor to make money from this war against itself. This is not stipulated anywhere in international law," he said.

Volodymyr Omelychenko noted that Ukraine has no legal grounds to not halt the transit of Russian oil.

"Therefore, in my opinion, it is absolutely possible to halt the transit, as there are no legal grounds to not do so. I have outlined the general legal framework of this issue. However, of course, this issue still requires more detailed work by the relevant legal firms. But the situation is undoubtedly absurd when we are providing Russia with billions of dollars during the war, allowing them to earn money with which they continue the war and are bombing and killing our soldiers and civilians. To me, that seems absolutely immoral," the expert added.

• Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal stated that the transit of Russian oil through Ukraine complies with the provisions of the Energy Charter Treaty and the EU Association Agreement regarding the freedom of transit.