Slovakia seeks to inspect Druzhba pipeline situation directly in Ukraine
Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár stated that he considers it necessary to inspect the situation regarding the repair of the Druzhba oil pipeline section on Ukrainian territory directly on-site.
"We have been informed again that, according to Ukraine’s information, the Druzhba pipeline could be operational within six weeks. However, similar deadlines have been voiced repeatedly in the past. Therefore, we find it necessary to verify the situation directly on the spot with the participation of experts who could also assist with the necessary repair work on the pipeline," the minister’s statement was quoted on the Slovak Ministry of Foreign Affairs account on X.
At the same time, the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement claiming that Slovakia considers the information provided to date regarding the pipeline situation "insufficient and considers Ukraine’s approach unacceptable."
"EU foreign ministers in Brussels expressed clear support for requests made by Slovakia, Hungary, and the European Commission to Ukraine for information on the status of the Druzhba oil pipeline. Slovakia considers the information provided so far insufficient and considers Ukraine’s approach unacceptable, as it fuels speculation that does not serve its interests," the statement says.
