Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has invited Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to visit Ukraine to discuss "all issues" following a dispute over the Druzhba pipeline. The invitation comes after a week of friction between Ukraine, Slovakia, and Hungary concerning the damaged pipeline, with Bratislava and Budapest demanding an immediate resumption of oil transit.
Slovakia and Hungary are the only EU member states still importing Russian pipeline oil. Both nations have accused Kyiv of intentionally delaying pipeline repairs for political motives, aiming to pressure them into ceasing Russian energy purchases. Prime Minister Fico asserted that pipeline operations are functional and Ukraine cannot indefinitely postpone delivery deadlines. He defended his country's imports, stating, "Under EU agreements, we have an exemption from sanctions. This is not 'Russian oil', it is our right to receive a delivery that we have secured and paid for."
The dispute intensified this week when Hungary blocked a €90 billion EU financial package for Ukraine, drawing condemnation from Kyiv's supporters. In response, Slovakia halted diesel, gas, and electricity supplies to Ukraine.
Earlier on Friday, Fico and Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán agreed to form a joint investigative team to assess the pipeline's condition and requested Ukraine grant them access.