Slovak Prime Minister Claims Satellite Images Display No Damage to Druzhba Oil Pipeline

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has stated that satellite imagery confirms no critical damage to the Druzhba oil pipeline, a key transit route for Russian oil to Slovakia and Hungary. This claim directly contradicts assertions made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding the pipeline’s condition.

According to a report by “European Truth” referencing News.sk, Fico announced at a press conference that, with the exception of one minor reservoir, the main route of the Druzhba pipeline remains intact. He stated he possesses this information through classified satellite images, which he is unable to publicly release.

“With the exception of one small reservoir, the main route of the Druzhba oil pipeline is not damaged. President Zelensky is demonstratively lying. He thought that he could blackmail Slovakia and Hungary this way – while I don’t recognize what he wanted to achieve from us,” Fico said, as reported by TASR – Jaroslav Novák.

Fico further suggested that the recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East, and the potential disruption of oil supplies from the Persian Gulf, has underscored the importance of the Druzhba pipeline for European energy security. He believes this has led to a broader recognition of its value.

“Now it’s not just about little Slovakia, now it’s about Europe. Now Europe finally sees that if we fight for these energy resources from the east, it is of great importance for the entire EU… Suddenly it became clear to everyone that Slovakia and Hungary were right, because Druzhba is a unique opportunity to supply oil to Europe,” the Slovak Prime Minister added.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán similarly announced on March 2nd that satellite images supported the claim of no damage to the pipeline. Robert Fico and Orbán’s statements prompted a response from Zelenskyy, who maintained that satellite imagery does not reveal the full extent of the situation and accused the two leaders of selfishness.

On March 4th, Slovakia’s state-owned company SEPS announced its intention to terminate its contract with Ukraine’s Ukrenergo for emergency electricity supplies. This decision was approved by the Slovak government in response to the situation surrounding the Druzhba oil pipeline. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry responded by stating that Slovakia would be financially disadvantaged by this move.