Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has announced his intention to obstruct the European Union’s 20th sanctions package against Russia if the bloc compels Ukraine to resume oil deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline. This statement was made during a video address, where Fico criticized both the European Commission and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for halting the transit of Russian oil.
Fico claimed that Zelenskyy suspended oil flow based on assertions that the pipeline had been damaged, yet he noted that no inspections had been conducted to verify this claim. The Prime Minister described the suspension as a second overtly hostile act by Zelenskyy against Slovakia, following a prior disruption of gas supplies. He accused the European Commission of failing to take action to compel Ukraine to address the situation.
Furthermore, Fico expressed frustration over what he termed the Commission’s double standards, arguing that it prioritizes Ukrainian interests over those of EU member states. He pointed out that while Slovakia received a threatening letter from Brussels regarding measures to protect its domestic fuel market, Zelenskyy was met with letters expressing understanding and support.
Fico warned that if the European Commission continues to favor Ukraine over Slovakia, the country would reconsider its support for the 20th sanctions package against Russia and its assistance in Ukraine’s EU accession process.
Background on the 20th EU Sanctions Package Against Russia
On February 6, the European Commission proposed a 20th sanctions package aimed at further constraining Russia’s energy sector, banking system, and trade. The new measures are designed to reduce Russia’s oil revenues and complicate the evasion of sanctions through shadow fleets and cryptocurrencies.
Among the proposed measures is a complete ban on maritime services for transporting Russian crude oil, which is expected to diminish Russia’s energy income and hinder its ability to find buyers. This ban is set to be implemented in coordination with G7 partners following a formal decision.
The EU also plans to expand sanctions against shadow fleets, adding 43 vessels to the list, bringing the total to 640 ships under restrictions. Additionally, a full ban on maintenance and other services for LNG tankers and icebreakers is aimed at impacting Russian gas export projects, supplementing existing restrictions on liquefied gas imports.
The financial measures include adding 20 regional banks to the sanctions list and restricting the use of cryptocurrencies and platforms that facilitate sanctions evasion. Banks in third countries that assist in trading sanctioned goods may also be affected.
Context of the Druzhba Pipeline Attack and Regional Reactions
On January 27, a Russian attack in Brody, Lviv region, damaged critical infrastructure related to the Druzhba pipeline, which is used for transporting Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. Following this incident, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry confirmed that oil supplies through the pipeline were halted due to the attack.
In response, Hungary and Slovakia announced a suspension of diesel exports to Ukraine until Russian oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline are restored. The Ukrainian government stated that it had informed Budapest about the attack and the resulting damage, asserting that accusations of delays in oil supplies were unfounded.
The European Commission expressed a desire for Ukraine to resume operations on the Druzhba pipeline but acknowledged that the decision lies with Ukraine due to the risk of further Russian attacks.
On February 21, Fico declared that Slovakia would cease electricity exports to Ukraine if oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline was not reinstated. A similar statement was issued by the Hungarian government.
Ukraine proposed to the EU the use of the Odessa-Brody pipeline as an alternative for oil supplies to the EU, given the damage to the Druzhba pipeline.
On February 27, Hungary and Slovakia announced the formation of a joint investigative commission to assess the condition of the Druzhba pipeline. Reports indicated that a Hungarian delegation arrived in Ukraine on March 11 to evaluate the pipeline’s status; however, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy later stated he was unaware of any such visit.
On March 18, a European official confirmed that a group of experts from various EU countries had arrived in Ukraine to assess the damage to the Druzhba pipeline. The following day, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry emphasized that access to strategic sites is managed by the Security Service of Ukraine.
As of March 27, an EU technical team remains in Kyiv awaiting permission to access the damaged section of the Druzhba pipeline.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has threatened to block EU sanctions against Russia unless Ukraine resumes oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline. This dispute highlights tensions within the EU regarding energy security and regional priorities amidst ongoing conflict.