Pipeline Politics: Tensions Over Russian Oil and EU Membership

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico accused Ukraine of delaying Russian oil transport to Eastern Europe via a crucial pipeline. Fico suggested the delay aims at pressuring Hungary to support Ukraine's EU membership bid. Hungary, maintaining ties with Russia, opposes Ukraine's EU entry. Ukraine has not commented.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has publicly accused Ukraine of deliberately delaying the restart of a pipeline transporting Russian oil to Eastern Europe through Ukraine. He claims this action is intended to pressurize Hungary into dropping its opposition to Ukraine's future European Union membership.

According to Ukraine's foreign ministry, the suspension of Russian oil through the Ukrainian section of the Druzhba pipeline has been ongoing since late January due to Russian attacks. Fico maintains relations with Russia despite condemning European arms support to Kyiv, suggesting politics play a role in oil supply disruptions.

Fico's statement aligns with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto's accusations against Ukraine. Despite EU efforts to diversify energy sources, Slovakia and Hungary continue purchasing Russian oil and gas, citing difficulties in accessing alternative routes. Meanwhile, discussions about Ukraine's EU membership remain contentious.

(With inputs from agencies.)