Ukraine has extended an invitation to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico for a visit, suggesting either March 6 or March 9 for the meeting. This proposal follows a recent phone conversation between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Fico, where they discussed various bilateral issues.
During their discussion on February 27, Zelensky emphasized the importance of Fico’s visit to address ongoing matters between the two nations. Fico accepted the invitation but expressed a preference to meet in a European Union member state.
In a related context, tensions have escalated due to a Russian attack on January 27 that damaged critical infrastructure in Brody, a city in Lviv Oblast. The attack affected the Druzhba oil pipeline, which is crucial for transporting Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia, leading to a halt in oil supplies.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced that the oil supply via the Druzhba pipeline was suspended following the attack, and Hungary is preparing to file complaints regarding transit issues. He criticized Hungary for not addressing Russia’s role in the situation.
Both the Hungarian and Slovak governments have announced a temporary cessation of diesel exports to Ukraine until Russian oil supplies resume through the Druzhba pipeline. Ukraine has informed Budapest about the damage caused by the Russian attack on January 27, countering any claims of delays in oil supply.
The European Commission has expressed a desire for Ukraine to restore the Druzhba pipeline’s operation, but has acknowledged the risks of further Russian attacks, leaving the decision to Ukraine.
On February 21, Fico warned that Slovakia would halt electricity exports to Ukraine if oil transit through Druzhba was not restored. This warning was echoed by the Hungarian government.
On February 23, Slovakia indeed suspended electricity supplies to Ukraine, citing the cessation of oil transit as the reason. However, Ukrainian officials stated that this would not significantly impact Ukraine’s energy system, as they had not received any formal notice regarding the suspension of the contract.
On February 27, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced that Hungary and Slovakia are forming a joint investigative commission to assess the condition of the Druzhba pipeline in Ukraine.
Ukraine has invited Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico for a visit in early March to discuss bilateral issues, coinciding with rising tensions over energy supplies following a Russian attack on critical infrastructure. Both Hungary and Slovakia have suspended diesel exports to Ukraine, further complicating the situation.