Slovak PM Fico criticises sanctions on Russian oil company Lukoil in conversation with Shmyhal

TASR reported the information, citing the Slovak government's press service.

Fico considers these sanctions meaningless, asserting they do not harm Russia but mainly affect some EU countries.

"Slovakia doesn't intend to be a hostage to Ukrainian-Russian relations, and the decision of the Ukrainian president means that the Slovak refinery Slovnaft, a member of the Hungarian MOL group, will receive 40% less oil than it needs for processing. It will have an impact not only on the Slovak market, but it may also lead to the halt of deliveries of Slovnaft-produced oil to Ukraine, while these make up almost one tenth of the entire Ukrainian consumption," Fico stated.

According to the government office, Fico has been discussing the issue with relevant cabinet members and MOL officials for several days. The ministry noted that while Lukoil provided part of Slovnafta's supplies, the refinery secured Russian oil from another supplier and ordered oil from alternative sources.

• Lukoil's oil stopped reaching Slovakia and Hungary due to Ukrainian sanctions.