Fico threatened to block new EU sanctions over oil transit from Russia via the Druzhba pipeline
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has stated his readiness to block the European Union’s 20th package of sanctions against Russia if the European Commission does not pressure Ukraine to resume the transit of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline.
This was reported by the publication ta3.
In a video address, the Slovak prime minister sharply criticized the European Commission and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He called the situation surrounding the oil pipeline a “deliberate violation” of Slovakia’s interests.
Fico also accused Brussels of “double standards,” stating that Ukraine’s interests are prioritized over those of EU member states. According to him, Slovakia receives “threatening letters” for measures to protect its domestic fuel market, while Ukraine is sent “letters full of love and understanding.”
“The European Commission has done nothing to force the Ukrainian president to take action… If the European Commission intends to continue behaving this way and prioritize Ukraine’s interests over those of Slovakia, it should forget about support for the 20th package of sanctions against the Russian Federation or our willingness to facilitate Ukraine’s rapid accession to the EU,” Fico stated.
In addition, the Slovak prime minister hinted at the possibility of revising the country’s position on Ukraine’s accession to the EU.
Earlier, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that gas supplies to Ukraine are gradually being halted until the transit of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline is restored.
Satellite images indicate a high probability of significant damage to the Druzhba pipeline as a result of the Russian strike. According to media reports, the extent of the damage could be substantial.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry is hearing for the first time about an EU mission to inspect the Druzhba pipeline.
Earlier reports indicated that on Wednesday, March 18, European experts would visit the Druzhba pipeline in Ukraine. They are to assess the situation at the site ahead of a crucial meeting of EU leaders regarding financial aid to Kyiv.
It was also reported that Ukraine has accepted EU aid to repair the Druzhba pipeline.
