On Saturday, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico called on the European Union to resume dialogue with Moscow and reconsider sanctions on Russian oil and gas imports.
Along with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Fico is a fervent supporter of Russia’s interests in Europe.
He emphasised the need for the bloc to secure alternative energy supplies amid disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in Iran.
Global energy markets are challenged by the new reality that emerged after Iran suspended nearly all commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage that carries approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas.
Slovakia, along with much of Europe, is facing mounting pressure due to rising energy and fuel costs stemming from supply disruptions.
In a statement following a conversation with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Fico remarked, “The EU, particularly the European Commission, should promptly resume discussions with Russia to establish a political and legal framework that would facilitate the replenishment of missing gas and oil supplies for individual member states and the EU as a whole. This would enable the delivery of these essential resources from all available sources, including Russia.”
Fico’s viewpoint aligns with his and Orbán’s known pro-Moscow stance and opposition to EU sanctions, particularly given that their countries depend heavily on Russian energy supplies.
Additionally, Fico urged the bloc to take measures to restore oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline, a Soviet-era network that supplies Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. Both Orbán and Fico have accused Kyiv of intentionally delaying the restoration of oil flows through the pipeline for political motives. However, Kyiv has denied these allegations, explaining that time is needed to address repairs resulting from a Russian drone strike in late January.
The situation concerning the Druzhba pipeline has become particularly sensitive in Hungary, where Orbán has integrated harsh rhetoric toward Ukraine into his campaign strategy ahead of the 12 April general election.
