Slovakia is prepared to block the 20th package of EU sanctions against Russia until it receives guarantees regarding the resumption of operations at the Druzhba oil pipeline.
Slovakia Conditions Support for Sanctions
Slovakian officials have stated they will block the 20th package of sanctions against Russia until guarantees are secured for the restart of the Druzhba oil pipeline, which was damaged by a Russian attack in western Ukraine.
The Slovak government is seeking a clear, transparent, and verifiable declaration that the pipeline, used for Russian oil transit, will be operational again.
Past Stance on Sanctions
Slovakia has previously indicated its support for sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, provided those sanctions do not harm Slovak interests. Hungary and Slovakia voiced opposition to the new sanctions package during a February meeting of EU foreign ministers.
Pipeline Damage and Repair Disputes
Russian oil flow through the Druzhba pipeline to Slovakia and Hungary ceased at the end of January. Bratislava and Budapest have repeatedly accused Kyiv of delaying repairs and resuming transit for political reasons.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated during a visit to Germany that the damaged pipeline would be operational by the end of April, a claim doubted by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Slovakia Will Not Block Ukraine Loan
Slovakia will not block the EU’s 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine, but will not participate in guarantees for its repayment. The Fico government believes the loan will further finance the war in Ukraine, a position with which Bratislava disagrees.
Hungary’s Potential Shift and Slovakia’s Position
The incoming Hungarian government appears ready to support the EU loan to Ukraine, reversing the stance of outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico previously stated Slovakia was prepared to take over from Hungary in blocking EU funds for Ukraine if necessary.
Venezuela Update
Maciej Stasiński on Wyborcza.pl reports that Venezuela’s democratic opposition is demanding reforms to restore democracy, while the US treats the country as a protectorate and ignores the opposition.