Fico suggests Druzhba pipeline may halt after EU approves €90 billion loan for Ukraine

He said that Slovakia did not agree to the loan for Ukraine and is not participating in it, along with Hungary and Czechia. At the same time, he acknowledged that the loan was approved in the EU through a legitimate process.

"I assume that this loan could be unblocked, provided that all steps are taken to reopen the Druzhba pipeline. Technical services are also informing us that the pipeline is being pressure-tested and that certain preparatory measures are underway," Fico said.

The Slovak Prime Minister added that "trust between Slovakia and Ukraine has been seriously damaged," particularly when it comes to "the ability to fulfill promises that are made."

He also noted that he "would not be surprised" if the loan for Ukraine is unblocked and then, after a short time, supplies are halted again, if the Druzhba pipeline is reopened at all.

Earlier today, EU ambassadors at the level of permanent representatives preliminarily approved a €90 billion loan for Ukraine and agreed on the parameters of the 20th sanctions package.

The final decision is expected to be formally adopted on Thursday, April 23.

Fico has previously stressed that Slovakia would not oppose unlocking the €90 billion for Ukraine, but would support the 20th sanctions package against Russia only after the Druzhba pipeline resumes operations.

Earlier, Fico called on the EU to lift sanctions on Russian oil and gas and proposed steps to restore supplies through the Druzhba pipeline.