European Commission spokeswoman Anna-Kaisa Itkonen said the European Union (EU) wants Ukraine to respond to when they can repair the Druzhba oil pipeline, the crude oil pipeline from Russia to Hungary and Slovakia.
Oil transportation through this pipeline has been suspended since the end of January, with Ukraine blaming Russia for damaging infrastructure. Moscow denies this accusation and accuses Kiev of using energy blackmail tricks against Hungary.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto also affirmed last week that the Druzhba pipeline is still operating well and the Ukrainian government did not restart delivery for "political reasons".
Kiev is "endangering our energy security" because they want to put the government of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who opposes Ukraine's accession to the EU, in a "difficult position" before the parliamentary elections in April - Foreign Minister Szijjarto said.
Ms. Itkonen told reporters that the European Commission is contacting Ukraine to discuss the schedule for the Druzhba oil pipeline to resume operation.
Currently, "there is no short-term risk to supply security for Hungary and Slovakia" because they are holding enough oil reserves for 90 days, she said.
However, the spokesman added that Brussels is ready to establish an emergency coordination group to discuss alternative routes to supply oil to the two countries.
Slovakia and Hungary - 2 countries bordering the sea - said they cannot fully meet their energy needs without supplies from Russia.
Mr. Szijjarto said Hungary and Slovakia have asked Croatia to use the Adriatic pipeline to transport Russian oil. Earlier this week, Croatian Economy Minister Ante Susnjar confirmed Zagreb's approval, affirming "will not allow the fuel supply of Central Europe to be threatened".
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico warned that Bratislava could stop supplying electricity to Ukraine if Kiev does not restart oil flow through the Druzhba pipeline.
