Ukraine cannot stop oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline without violating international agreements. This was stated by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during an hour of questions to the government in the Verkhovna Rada on 10 January.
“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, which guarantee freedom of transit. This also complies with the terms of the sixth EU sanctions package,” the Prime Minister stressed.
Risks of breach of obligations
Denys Shmyhal stressed that stopping oil transit could have serious international consequences.
“Stopping oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline will be a direct violation of our international obligations. This may become the basis for international arbitration, financial claims against Ukraine and a decrease in the trust of our European partners,” the Prime Minister said.
He also noted that Ukraine is used to supply oil to EU countries, including Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Ensuring uninterrupted transit is part of Ukraine’s commitments as part of its cooperation with the European Union.
The Druzhba pipeline is a key route for oil supplies to Central Europe. The termination of its operation could have a significant economic and political impact on relations between Ukraine and the EU.