The Slovak Prime Minister said on Sunday, March 8th, that his country is ready to block the disbursement of the €90 billion loan intended for Ukraine by the EU should Budapest’s position shifts after the upcoming elections.
The announcement comes ahead of Fico’s meeting with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen next week.
In a video posted to his social media channels, the Slovak leader reiterated that the loan to Ukraine is currently “blocked” and, in his opinion, this is a legitimate means of putting pressure on Ukraine to ensure the resumption of oil supply via the Druzhba pipeline. According to Fico, satellite images show that there has been no significant damage to the pipeline, casting doubt on Ukraine’s explanations for halting transit.
On March 10th, the Slovak PM is scheduled to meet with Ursula von der Leyen in Paris, where, among other issues, they will discuss the Druzhba pipeline crisis. Fico said he will reiterate in the meeting that Russian oil supplies are vital for Slovakia and Hungary. Fico said he will ask von der Leyen
How long will the European Commission continue to prioritize the interests of Ukraine, a non-EU member state, over the vital national interests of Slovakia and Hungary?
Both Slovakia and Hungary see political motives behind the suspension of Russian oil transit on the pipeline.
