Hungary, Slovakia want EU to consult with Ukraine following ban on Lukoil transit

Hungary and Slovakia have requested the European Commission to mediate a consultation procedure with Ukraine following Kyiv's strengthened sanctions against Lukoil, Russia's second-largest oil producer, which led to a halt in oil supplies. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto made this announcement on July 22.

In June 2024, Ukraine reinforced sanctions against Lukoil, effectively preventing Ukraine from serving as a transit country for the company's oil. However, this ban does not apply to other Russian oil exporters who continue to use the pipeline. These restrictions have led to supply shortages in Budapest, which relies on Russia for 70% of its oil supply, with Lukoil accounting for half of that volume, according to Politico.

Szijjarto criticized Ukraine's decision as "an unacceptable move" that "violates the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement." He stated that the European Commission has three days to address their request, after which Hungary will take the issue to court.

Ukraine has not yet commented on the Hungarian minister's remarks.

Lukoil is one of several Russian companies supplying oil to Hungary and Slovakia through the southern part of the Druzhba Pipeline in Ukraine, but the transit stopped on July 18. Hungary has consistently been Russia's closest ally within the EU, opposing Ukraine's accession to NATO and the EU, resisting sanctions on Russia, and undermining Western aid efforts for Ukraine.

Russia begins to disassemble Ukrainian Orthodox church in occupied Crimea

Russian officials in the occupied Crimean city of Yevpatoria have commenced dismantling a church belonging to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), according to a report by the Voice of Crimea on July 22. The autocephalous OCU is distinct from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP), which has been accused of having ties with Russia.

Under Russian occupation, religious groups that do not adhere to Russia's version of Orthodoxy have faced significant repression, including the destruction of religious sites and the persecution of religious leaders. The church in Yevpatoria had been dealing with legal challenges from the occupying authorities for several years and was ordered to be demolished earlier in July. The Voice of Crimea reported that the demolition officially began on July 21, sharing images of the dome and other parts of the building being removed.

Former Deputy Prosecutor General Gyunduz Mamedov, citing Metropolitan Klyment of the OCU Diocese in Crimea, stated that this was the last remaining OCU church on the occupied peninsula. The State Agency of Ukraine for Ethno-Politics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) indicated that the OCU has effectively ceased to exist in Crimea, with its priests being forced to leave the occupied territory.

The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) has absorbed many churches that previously belonged to the OCU or UOC-MP in parts of occupied Ukraine. Russia's persecution of religious groups in Crimea and other occupied areas has also targeted Muslims, Catholics, Mormons, Evangelicals, and other religious communities.

Ukrainian government commented on UK's former PM Johnson's "peace plan"

Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, clarified that the "peace proposals" put forth by former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson reflect his personal views.

Stefanishyna emphasized that Johnson is acting independently and based on his own thoughts. She highlighted the value of his voice due to his authority and connections with colleagues from the Republican Party. Johnson's proposals aim to create a platform for discussion, and he acts in Ukraine's best interests, understanding both President Zelenskyy's position and the Ukrainian people.

In July, Johnson met with US presidential candidate Donald Trump to discuss Ukraine. Following this, Johnson proposed a peace plan that includes Ukraine regaining control of territories held as of February 24, 2022, with US support regarding armaments and NATO membership. The plan also suggests the Ukrainian military could eventually replace American troops in Europe. In exchange, Russia would receive guarantees for the protection of Russophones in Ukraine, potential re-entry into the Group of Seven, and possible normalization of relations with NATO. Johnson believes Trump can implement this strategy.

Recently, President Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with Trump, during which Trump expressed his desire to bring Ukraine and Russia to the negotiating table and achieve global peace.

Russians shelled Nikopol, five people are injured

The Russian army launched an artillery shelling on Nikopol in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, injuring five people. Serhii Lysak, the Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, reported that the bombardment injured three men aged 37, 32, and 36, and two women aged 65 and 34. A 37-year-old man has been hospitalized in a state of moderate severity.

The Russians also caused damage to five-story buildings, cars, a bread kiosk, and private businesses.