Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has urged the European Union (EU) to restart talks with Russia and lift sanctions on Russian energy resources. Fico emphasized the need for a political environment allowing EU members to access gas and oil from various sources, including Russia. He criticized the current sanctions on Russian gas and oil imports as “senseless” and called for actions to reopen the Druzhba pipeline.
Fico’s call for dialogue with Russia and the lifting of sanctions came after a discussion with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The leaders agreed that the energy crisis requires a joint effort beyond national borders. Slovakia and Hungary aim to protect their economies and citizens from what they perceive as the European Commission’s misguided policies.
Recent disruptions in oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline have strained relations between Hungary, Slovakia, and Ukraine. Orban announced Hungary’s decision to gradually reduce gas supplies to Ukraine due to ongoing issues with oil deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline. He highlighted Ukraine’s blockade of the pipeline and emphasized Hungary’s commitment to ensuring its own energy security by increasing domestic gas reserves.
