Ukraine, Slovakia to Discuss Druzhba Pipeline Amid Energy Dispute

Kyiv has proposed March 6th or 9th for a visit from Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to discuss the stalled operation of the Druzhba oil pipeline, according to a statement from Ukrainian officials. The move comes as tensions escalate between Ukraine, Slovakia, and Hungary over the pipeline’s disruption and accusations of energy blackmail.

Pipeline Dispute and Accusations

The Druzhba pipeline, a key network transporting Russian crude oil to Hungary and Slovakia through Ukrainian territory, experienced a shutdown in late January following damage attributed to a Russian attack in western Ukraine [Kyiv Independent].

Budapest and Bratislava have accused Ukraine of deliberately halting supplies, a claim Kyiv strongly denies, asserting the disruption was a direct result of Russian aggression [RBC-Ukraine].

Retaliatory Measures and Political Motivations

In response to the pipeline issue, Slovakia and Hungary have taken retaliatory economic measures. These include halting diesel exports to Ukraine, blocking the EU’s 20th package of sanctions against Russia, and, in Hungary’s case, obstructing a €90 billion loan to Ukraine [RBC-Ukraine].

The escalation coincides with upcoming parliamentary elections in Hungary, where Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is reportedly using the narrative of external pressure as part of his campaign strategy [RBC-Ukraine].

Fico’s Position and Proposed Inspection

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has suggested a joint Hungarian-Slovakian investigation committee, comprised of experts nominated by EU member states and the European Commission, to assess the damage to the Druzhba pipeline [Reuters]. However, Fico has claimed that Zelenskyy refused to allow the commission access to Ukraine, citing security concerns [Pravda.com.ua].

Following a phone call with President Zelenskyy, Fico stated that Ukraine does not appear interested in resuming operation of the Druzhba pipeline [Pravda.com.ua].

EU Response

The European Council has urged Ukraine to restore operations of the Druzhba pipeline as soon as possible, while acknowledging that Hungary’s actions may violate cooperation principles [RBC-Ukraine]. The EU Oil Coordination Group has determined that the pipeline’s suspension does not currently pose a threat to the EU’s energy security [Pravda.com.ua].