Ukrainian PM explains why Ukraine cannot stop Russian oil transit to EU via Druzhba pipeline

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said that stopping oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline would be a violation of the Energy Charter Treaty and Association Agreement with the European Union by Ukraine.

Source: Shmyhal in the Verkhovna Rada, as reported by Interfax-Ukraine

Quote: "Oil transit through the territory of Ukraine is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Energy Charter Treaty and the Association Agreement with the EU to ensure freedom of transit, and also meets the conditions of the sixth package of EU sanctions."

Details: The Prime Minister stressed that stopping oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline would be a violation of the Energy Charter Treaty and the Association Agreement with the EU.

Shmyhal said that the violation of its international obligations by Ukraine could be used to hold the country liable for stopping uninterrupted oil supplies, in particular to Hungary, Slovakia, and Czechia, and for imposing appropriate financial conditions after international arbitration.

Background:

• The Verkhovna Rada registered a draft law banning the transit of Russian oil and gas through Ukraine during martial law.
• Currently, Ukraine transports Russian oil through its territory via the Druzhba pipeline to European countries. The current contract is valid until the end of 2029. 

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