Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his Slovak counterpart Robert Fico have agreed to establish an investigative commission regarding the Druzhba oil pipeline. Orbán called on President Zelenskyy to grant access to it.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban sent an open letter to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In the letter, Orban accuses Ukraine of blocking the Druzhba oil pipeline and demands its immediate restoration.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has intensified his anti-Ukrainian campaign ahead of elections, blocking EU aid packages to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia. This comes as his party trails by 20 points in the polls.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council, stated that the strike on the Druzhba oil pipeline was a deliberate act of sabotage by Russia against Hungary and Slovakia. These countries have not condemned Russia's actions, which uses energy dependence as a weapon.
Ukrenergo states that the possible termination of emergency electricity supply from Slovakia will not affect Ukraine's energy system. No official documents regarding the termination of the agreement have been received yet.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced the cessation of emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine. This step will be reversed if Ukraine resumes oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline.
The Slovak opposition party SaS criticizes Prime Minister Robert Fico's intentions to stop electricity exports to Ukraine. The party states that such actions are economically senseless and threaten Slovakia's international reputation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine condemned the ultimatums from Hungary and Slovakia regarding energy supply, calling them playing along with the aggressor. Ukraine is considering activating the "Early Warning Mechanism" due to threats from Budapest and Bratislava.
Hungary has confirmed blocking a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine, demanding the restoration of oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline. Slovakia also refused to participate in a military loan for Ukraine, accusing it of politically delaying the resumption of supplies.
Robert Fico threatens to stop emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine. This will happen if Ukraine does not resume oil transit to Slovakia.
Hungary is considering halting electricity and gas exports to Ukraine if Kyiv does not resume the supply of Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline. Hungary and Slovakia accuse Ukraine of delaying the resumption of supplies for political reasons.
MFA spokesperson Heorhiy Tykhyi commented on Budapest's provocations regarding the shutdown of the "Druzhba" oil pipeline.
Expert Serhiy Kuyun states that the cessation of diesel fuel supplies from Hungary and Slovakia is not critical for Ukraine. These supplies account for up to 10% of the market and can be easily replaced.
The Slovak company Slovnaft is temporarily suspending the export of diesel fuel to Ukraine and other types of exports. This decision was made after Hungary's announcement and due to the interruption of the Druzhba oil pipeline's operation in Ukraine.
The European Commission has confirmed contacts with Ukraine regarding the repair of the "Druzhba" oil pipeline, which is hindering the supply of Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. These countries have 90-day reserve stocks, which eliminates short-term risks to supply security.
Slovakia is modernizing Cold War-era nuclear shelters, despite Prime Minister Fico's statements that there is no threat from Russia. An audit revealed the critical condition of most structures, and demand for private bunkers is growing.
Slovakia plans to acquire four more F-16V Block 70/72 Viper fighter jets to strengthen its air defense. This decision is related to the transfer of its entire fleet of MiG-29s to Ukraine.
Hungary and Slovakia have approached Croatia regarding the transportation of Russian oil via the Adriatic pipeline. This decision is due to the cessation of transit through the Ukrainian branch of the Druzhba oil pipeline after Russian attacks.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Slovakia, where he will meet with Prime Minister Robert Fico and President Peter Pellegrini. He will discuss US-Slovak relations, regional security, and nuclear energy.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Hungary and Slovakia next week. The visit comes after Donald Trump endorsed Viktor Orban, who is trailing in the polls ahead of the elections.
Slovak Prime Minister's advisor Miroslav Lajčák resigned after correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein was made public. Robert Fico accepted the resignation, defending Lajčák and criticizing the media.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, known for his loyalty to Donald Trump, is offering an "olive branch" to partners in the EU. This move comes amid rumors of his meeting with Trump, which reportedly did not meet Fico's expectations.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico denied a Politico report about his concerns over Donald Trump's condition. He called the article "a lie" and stated that he did not speak at the summit where he allegedly made such assessments.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico expressed concern about Donald Trump's "psychological state" after their meeting on January 17. Fico called Trump "dangerous," which shocked European diplomats.
Top Slovak officials, including the president, the speaker of the National Council, and the prime minister, have advocated for an end to military aid to Ukraine. The country will also not send soldiers or participate in guarantees for a large loan from the European Commission.
Slovakia and the US will sign an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in nuclear energy. It envisages the construction of a new 1200 MW power unit at the Jaslovské Bohunice NPP.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced the country's possible participation in monitoring a peace agreement or truce in Ukraine. Slovakia is ready to cooperate in non-military areas, but will not send soldiers or provide weapons.
The Hungarian Prime Minister believes that Brussels allegedly "does not want peace between Russia and Ukraine. "
On December 19, the European Union approved €90 billion in funding for Ukraine, which the country will repay after receiving reparations from Russia. Journalists found out how this process took place.
The Supreme Court of Slovakia has temporarily suspended controversial legislation that abolishes the national whistleblower protection office. This decision is an important step in ensuring the rule of law in Slovakia, as the new law was deemed too controversial.
