Only one country continues to block the oil embargo – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

"Evropeiska Pravda" — Monday, 16 May, 2022, 19:25

The introduction of an oil embargo against Russia is supported by almost all European Union (EU) members, but one state continues to resist.

This was stated by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba after participating in a meeting of EU foreign ministers, Europeiska Pravda reports.

Kuleba noted that he noticed almost unanimous support among EU ministers for the embargo - with the exception of one country. Therefore, he said, it was not known whether the ministers would decide on the embargo today.

"It would not be an exaggeration to say that there is only one country that continues to block the introduction of the oil embargo. The EU must find a solution regarding the concerns of this country and find a way to make the embargo a reality," the minister said.

He did not say which country it was, but it is clear that he is talking about Hungary which has publicly voiced its opposition to oil sanctions.

Kuleba noted that he noticed the determination of the head of EU diplomacy, [Josep] Borrell, to achieve the embargo.

The foreign minister stressed that it is important for the EU to maintain unity and prevent a split in this matter.

"Time is running out. Russia continues to receive money and to invest it in the war," Kuleba said, warning of the need to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

Kuleba said he does not believe that the EU will exclude oil from the sixth package [of sanctions against Russia] because it cannot find a solution.

"I believe that the embargo will be introduced. The question is when and what will be the price," the minister added.

Earlier it was reported that EU foreign ministers are likely to be unable to unblock the issue of imposing oil embargoes against Russia at a meeting in Brussels on 16 May due to Hungary’s resistance.