Kremlin and Slovakia Unite Against Ukrainian Oil Pipeline Delays

The Kremlin supports Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's claim that Ukraine is delaying the restart of the Druzhba oil pipeline to influence Hungary's stance on Ukraine's EU membership. Ukraine's foreign ministry states the pipeline's suspension since January 27 is due to a Russian attack.

The Kremlin has thrown its weight behind Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's accusations against Ukraine. Fico claims that Ukraine is deliberately delaying the resumption of the Druzhba oil pipeline as a tactic to coerce Hungary into changing its opposition to Ukraine's potential EU membership.

This statement comes amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions, as Ukraine's foreign ministry countered on Thursday, stating that Russian oil shipments to Eastern Europe through the Druzhba pipeline have been stalled since January 27 because of a Russian offensive.

The pipeline, a significant conduit for Russian oil to Eastern Europe, has become a focal point in the broader conflict, with both sides attributing the disruption to political maneuverings.

(With inputs from agencies.)