Slovakia doubts Ukraine’s promises and wants to send experts to Druzhba pipeline
Photo: Slovakia’s Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár (Getty Images)
Slovakia’s Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár stressed the need to send experts to the Druzhba oil pipeline, as Bratislava doubts the repair timeline announced by Kyiv, according to the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia on Twitter (X).
Juraj Blanár said that Slovakia received information that Ukraine plans to restore the Druzhba oil pipeline within six weeks.
"Several such timelines have already been announced in the past. We therefore consider it necessary to verify the situation directly on site, with the participation of experts who could also assist with any necessary repairs to the pipeline," he emphasized.
The Slovak Foreign Ministry also noted that EU foreign ministers supported the request of Slovakia, Hungary, and the European Commission to Kyiv for information on the condition of the Druzhba pipeline.
In addition, Slovakia’s Foreign Ministry considers Ukraine’s approach "unacceptable, as it fuels speculation that is not in its interest."
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and invited him to visit Ukraine, including to discuss the situation surrounding the Druzhba pipeline.
Fico, however, said that a meeting with Zelenskyy is possible, but it will take place only after Bratislava consults with the European Commission and Hungary regarding the transit of Russian oil.
Robert Fico sent a letter to Volodymyr Zelenskyy calling for the restoration of oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline to Slovakia. In the letter, he stated that Bratislava has no confirmation of the reported damage to Druzhba.
