Slovakia is threatening to veto the European Union’s upcoming 20th sanctions package against Russia unless it receives guarantees regarding oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline, according to Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar. The pipeline, which normally transports Russian oil through Ukraine to Hungary and Slovakia, has been temporarily shut down following reported damage from a Russian attack in January. Slovakia and Hungary have accused Ukraine of delaying repairs and using the alleged damage as a pretext to halt flows, a claim Kyiv denies.
Blanar stated that without assurances about the Druzhba pipeline’s operation, Slovakia will not approve the new sanctions package, which is expected to be discussed when the 20th package is on the table for approval. He described the pipeline issue as Slovakia’s “only leverage” to pressure both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the European Commission to resume oil transit. The minister emphasized that Slovakia has “no other means” to compel Kyiv and Brussels to act on the matter.
The Druzhba pipeline is a critical energy artery for Central Europe, and its disruption has significant implications for regional energy security. Slovakia’s stance reflects broader tensions within the EU over how to balance sanctions pressure on Russia with the energy needs of member states still reliant on Russian hydrocarbons, despite efforts to diversify supplies following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
According to verified reports, the pipeline was damaged in a January incident that Kyiv attributed to Russian forces, though Moscow has not publicly commented on the specific claim. Slovak and Hungarian officials have argued that Ukraine bears responsibility for the delay in restoring flows, while Ukrainian authorities maintain that security concerns and ongoing conflict prevent immediate repair work in affected areas.
Slovakia’s position aligns with that of Hungary, another EU member state that has repeatedly blocked or delayed EU initiatives related to Ukraine support and Russia sanctions over energy concerns. Both countries, led by populist governments under Prime Minister Robert Fico in Slovakia and previously Viktor Orbán in Hungary, have positioned themselves as skeptical of hardline approaches to Russia within the EU framework.
The potential veto comes as the EU prepares its next wave of sanctions targeting Russia’s war economy, which could include additional restrictions on Russian oil exports, financial mechanisms, or secondary sanctions on third countries facilitating sanctions evasion. The unanimity requirement in EU foreign policy means that any single member state can block such measures, giving Slovakia de facto veto power over the package.
Blanar’s remarks were made during a briefing to Slovak lawmakers, where he reiterated that the pipeline issue remains unresolved and that Slovakia will not compromise on its demand for reliable oil transit guarantees. His comments underscore the complex interplay between energy security, geopolitical alignment, and sanctions policy in the ongoing conflict.
As of the latest available information, no formal decision has been made by the EU on the timing or final composition of the 20th sanctions package, and discussions among member states continue. The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic efforts underway to address the concerns of Slovakia and Hungary while maintaining unity on broader sanctions objectives.
For ongoing developments regarding EU sanctions policy, energy security in Central Europe, and the Ukraine conflict, readers are encouraged to consult official communications from the European Commission, the Council of the European Union, and the respective foreign ministries of Slovakia and Ukraine.
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