Russia Faces Threats Over Oil Supplies Amid Middle East Tensions

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Slovakia and Hungary, as buyers of Russian oil, are facing threats from Ukraine. According to RTHK, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó on Wednesday at the Kremlin to discuss the impact of disrupted oil supplies due to Ukraine. Peskov also noted that despite the worsening situation in the Middle East, European Union countries have not requested an increase in energy supplies from Russia. Norwegian Energy Minister Terje Aasland mentioned that the EU has consistently expressed its desire to reduce dependence on Russian oil and gas. However, recent events over the past three to four days have complicated the situation. Given the current geopolitical climate, Aasland believes that discussions on this matter may resume. Reports from CCTV indicate that Aasland was referring to the U.S. and Israel's strikes on Iran and Iran's subsequent retaliation, which could prompt the EU to revisit discussions on the Russian gas import ban. The situation in the Middle East is reportedly affecting gas exports from the Gulf region, leading to a surge in European gas prices this week.