Slovakia will support the 20th package of sanctions against Russia after oil transit resumes

Slovakia will declare its readiness to support the 20th package of sanctions against Russia only after oil actually begins flowing through the Druzhba pipeline. 

Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár announced this following the EU Council meeting in Luxembourg, according to European Truth. The minister noted that the country had received confirmation that Ukraine had completed repairs on the damaged section of the pipeline, allowing for the resumption of supplies.

According to Blanár’s assessment, the new restrictions will not have a significant impact on the country’s economy if the pipeline is operational. Currently, the Slovak government has no confirmation of the resumption of transit and considers its absence to be a political decision.

Juraj Blanár informed his EU colleagues that support for the sanctions directly depends on the actual receipt of Russian oil through Ukrainian territory. The Slovak side continues to monitor the situation at the border to make a final decision on voting for the sanctions package.

Hungary and Slovakia are ready to support an EU loan to Ukraine and a new package of sanctions against Russia. According to him, the countries’ position depends on the conditions for the supply of Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline. The statement was made following a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg.

European Council President António Costa publicly thanked Volodymyr Zelenskyy for restoring a section of the Druzhba oil pipeline. Ukraine announced the completion of repair work following damage to the infrastructure caused by a Russian strike. The EU described this as the fulfillment of agreements.