Fico, von der Leyen agree on Druzhba pipeline plan
Robert Fico (Photo: Alex Brandon/Pool via REUTERS)
Slovak PM Robert Fico and European Commission President
Ursula von der Leyen agreed on a plan to resume transit of Russian oil through
the Druzhba
pipeline, Fico said on March 10, as reported by Slovak daily SME.
The pipeline has been inactive since a January Russian attack on western Ukraine which damaged some of its pumping and storage infrastructure. Hungary and Slovakia (both have EU waivers to keep importing Russian crude) dispute Ukraine’s assessment of the extent of the damage and the timeline for repairs.
Fico said he and the European Commission share the view that transit of Russian oil via Ukraine to Slovakia should resume.
He noted that Bratislava has the right, under granted exemptions, to buy Russian oil not only through the Druzhba pipeline but also by sea. "However, here [with maritime imports] we face a problem with our Croatian partners, but I believe it can be resolved," he said.
Fico said he showed von der Leyen satellite images that, he claims, indicate the Druzhba pipeline in Ukraine was not damaged. He blamed the suspension of transit on a unilateral decision by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In a Facebook post shortly afterwards, Fico said Slovakia and the European Commission should send a joint inspection team to determine whether the facility was damaged.
“If the Druzhba pipeline is damaged, it must be repaired as soon as possible,” the PM said.
“Slovakia and the European Commission are prepared to
provide expert assistance for the repairs, if necessary, and the European
Commission can pay for the repairs.”
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