The Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, stated that he did not support the final conclusions of the European Council summit regarding Ukraine due to disputes over the supply of Russian oil and financial assistance to Kyiv. He expressed dissatisfaction that the European Union, in his opinion, failed to influence the Ukrainian authorities to resolve the disputed economic issues.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Main Disagreements Among EU Leaders
According to Fico, during the morning session of the summit in Brussels, two key issues were discussed: the blocked loan for Ukraine amounting to 90 billion euros and the cessation of oil supplies to Slovakia and Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline. The Prime Minister emphasized that no progress had been made on either issue.
“It is strange that after all the EU has done for Ukraine, we, as a major international organization, are unable to convince or compel President Zelensky to allow an immediate inspection of the allegedly damaged pipeline, its repair, and the resumption of operations as soon as possible.”
Fico also pointed out that Ukraine’s decision to halt the transit of Russian oil has negatively impacted Slovakia’s economy, creating serious problems for the country.
Slovakia’s Position on Energy and Sanctions
The Prime Minister stressed the need for equal relations between the EU and Ukraine and emphasized that fulfilling President Zelensky’s demands should not come at the expense of the interests of EU member states. He also reminded that Slovakia and Hungary have the right to receive Russian oil until the end of 2027 according to EU decisions. In light of the situation in the country, a state of emergency in the oil sector has been declared.
Fico stated that Slovakia is ready to take additional measures regarding Ukraine if the Ukrainian leadership continues a policy that, in his opinion, harms the country’s economy.
It is worth noting that during the summit on March 19, EU leaders were unable to finalize a multi-billion euro loan for Ukraine, which is currently being blocked by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Slovakia and Hungary are also continuing to block the adoption of the twentieth sanctions package against Russia, insisting on the resumption of Russian oil transportation via the Druzhba pipeline.