Slovak Prime Minister Calls for EU Dialogue with Russia and Lifting of Sanctions

In a recent statement on his Facebook page, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico drew attention to the precarious state of the European Union, particularly criticizing the European Commission, which he likened to a "ship sailing towards death." This metaphor underscores his critical stance towards policies that he believes threaten the stability of the region.

Fico called for the European Commission and the entire EU to "return to common sense." He emphasized the urgent need for an "immediate restoration of dialogue with Russia" and the establishment of a "political and legal environment" that would enable the import of gas and oil from all possible sources, including Russia. These statements reflect his desire to rekindle energy ties with Russia, which have been disrupted due to sanctions.

"Therefore, the senseless sanctions that prohibit the import of gas and oil from Russia should be lifted, a separate EU initiative should be launched to swiftly end the war in Ukraine, and decisive steps should be taken to restore the operation of the Druzhba oil pipeline," the Slovak premier added, highlighting the importance of energy security for European countries.

It is worth noting that on February 12, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha reported that supplies of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline had been halted since January 27 due to an attack from Russia. This attack resulted in a significant fire that severely damaged the equipment. However, Hungary and Slovakia did not acknowledge these damages and claimed that Ukraine had stopped supplies of Russian oil to them allegedly for political reasons.

Hungary, in turn, has refused to consider alternatives to Russian energy supplies, such as imports through Croatia. Budapest explained its position by stating that Russian oil is cheaper, making it more advantageous for the Hungarian economy.

On March 16, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced that Budapest would block the provision of a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine and the adoption of the 20th sanctions package against Russia until Ukraine restores the transit of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline. This statement sparked outrage in Ukraine, where such actions are viewed as politically motivated.

On March 17, the European Union offered Ukraine technical support and funding for the repair of the Druzhba pipeline, indicating the EU's readiness to assist Ukraine in this challenging situation. Kyiv accepted this proposal, which opens up possibilities for the resumption of oil supplies to the region.

On March 18, Naftogaz head Serhiy Koretsky reported that EU experts had arrived in Ukraine to assess the condition of the Druzhba pipeline and held a working meeting with the leadership of the oil sector. This indicates active efforts by both Ukraine and the EU to address the oil supply issue.

However, on March 26, Orban ordered the cessation of gas supplies to Ukraine via Hungary starting in July, raising new concerns in Ukraine. This move could have serious implications for Ukraine's energy security, which is already facing numerous challenges amid the ongoing war with Russia.