Slovakia
Before being damaged by a Russian strike, Ukrainian and Russian oil was transported via the Druzhba pipeline. The halt in supplies deprives Ukraine of export revenues and funding.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico discussed the transit of oil through the "Druzhba" pipeline with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He proposes creating a joint inspection group to verify its functioning, as Slovakia and Hungary cannot receive paid oil.
The President of Ukraine is speaking with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and inviting him to Ukraine. Earlier, Fico and Orbán agreed to establish a commission on the "Druzhba" oil pipeline.
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.
The Hungarian prime minister called for the creation of a special "mission" to include representatives not only from Hungary but also from Slovakia, as these countries depend on Russian energy carriers.
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.
President Zelenskyy met with U4U MEPs. They discussed the restoration of Ukraine's energy system and the scaling up of the PURL program.
Hungary is strengthening the protection of its energy infrastructure and deploying troops near key facilities. This decision was made after the halt of oil supplies via the "Druzhba" pipeline on January 27.
The Slovak opposition party "Freedom and Solidarity" will file a criminal complaint against Prime Minister Robert Fico. The reason is the cessation of emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine.
Russian oil monopolist "Transneft" reduced crude oil intake by 250 thousand barrels per day after drone attacks on the "Kaleykino" pumping station in Tatarstan. This threatens the stability of export supplies via the "Druzhba" oil pipeline and affects the Russian budget's revenues.
During the repair period of 'Druzhba', oil supplies to Slovakia and Hungary will be carried out via an alternative route through Croatia.
The European Commission plans to submit a legal proposal for a permanent ban on Russian oil imports on April 15. This will happen after the parliamentary elections in Hungary, so as not to influence the election campaign.
Ukraine is ready to constructively resolve the dispute over the 'Druzhba' oil pipeline and has proposed realistic solutions, said Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha. This comes amid Hungary's blocking of an EU loan for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.
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.
The European Union is negotiating with Hungary and Slovakia to unblock the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas noted that diplomatic work continues despite the difficulties.
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.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that the EU supports Ukraine, not its own member states. Hungary threatens to block new sanctions against Russia and 90 billion euros in financial aid to Ukraine.
Budapest justified its decision to block the €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine. This caused disappointment among EU foreign ministers.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that Hungary's and Slovakia's ultimatums should be addressed to the Kremlin. He emphasized the need to increase pressure on Russia and the importance of investing in Ukraine's defense industry.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko reported stable gas and electricity imports. The government is mobilizing all resources and providing targeted assistance to the population.
Hungary threatens to block the EU's support package for Ukraine, including a €90 billion loan, due to disputes over energy supplies. This could leave Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa without EU solutions for Ukraine during their visit on the anniversary of the war.
EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas announced discussions on the 20th sanctions package, but no progress is expected. Hungary is blocking it due to oil transit.
Hungary will block the 20th EU sanctions package against Russia, demanding that Ukraine restore 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.
The European Commission has been urged to intervene in the conflict between Ukraine and Hungary over a blocked Russian oil pipeline, which is hindering the provision of an emergency EU loan to Ukraine. Hungary blocked the 90 billion euro loan after the Druzhba oil pipeline was damaged by Russian attacks.