Zelenskyy and Fico Agree to Meet Over Russian Oil Disruptions

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Robert Fico have agreed in principle to meet, as Slovakia accuses Ukraine of blocking Russian oil deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline.

During a phone call, Zelenskyy invited Fico to Ukraine. Fico responded that he prefers a meeting within the EU, without specifying a date.

Fico stated that he has the impression that Ukraine is not interested in restoring oil transit through its territory. The Druzhba pipeline was damaged by Russian strikes in January.

Viktor Orbán proposed a joint Slovakia-Hungary committee to inspect the pipeline, but Zelenskyy rejected the idea following a negative opinion from Ukrainian intelligence services.

Hungary is blocking a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine and new sanctions against Russia, demanding the resumption of oil deliveries.

The Druzhba pipeline was temporarily exempted from EU sanctions after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, at the request of Hungary and Slovakia.