Slovakia threatens EU: We will block sanctions against Russia if the “Druzhba” oil pipeline is not repaired
Express newspaper
16/04/2026 19:43
Slovakia has warned that it will block the next package of European Union sanctions against Russia if oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline are not guaranteed.
Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár said his country would not approve the 20th package of sanctions unless the pipeline was restored. The pipeline, damaged by Russian attacks in Ukraine on January 27, is vital to Slovakia and Hungary’s oil supplies.
“If the pipeline is not operational when the time comes to approve the new package, we will not support it,” Blanár said.
Slovakia and Hungary, which are heavily dependent on Russian oil, have accused Ukraine of delays in repairing the pipeline. According to Blanár, this is the only way to put pressure on Kiev and the European Commission to restore Druzhba.
Meanwhile, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orbán have accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of “blackmail” over the oil pipeline issue.
However, Blanár clarified that Slovakia will not block EU financial assistance to Ukraine, despite tensions over the issue.
The Druzhba pipeline (meaning “Friendship” in Russian) has supplied oil to Central European countries, including Slovakia and Hungary, since the Soviet era, remaining a key energy hub for the region. /Panorama