Prime Minister Fico of Slovakia: "Take over" from Hungary to block EU loans to Ukraine
On March 8, Prime Minister Fico of Slovakia stated that he will meet with European Commission President von der Leyen on Tuesday. Slovakia and Hungary are increasing pressure on Ukraine to resume the Russian oil transit through the country. Fico also warned that Slovakia may block the large EU loan to Ukraine.
Since early January, Kyiv announced that the "Friendship" oil pipeline transporting oil to Hungary and Slovakia through Ukraine was severely damaged by Russian attacks and has been shut down.
This supply disruption has become one of the most intense disputes between neighboring countries since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Ukraine claims the pipeline cannot be repaired quickly. The EU member states Hungary and Slovakia are still importing Russian oil and maintaining contact with Moscow, and both countries accuse Kyiv of deliberately delaying the restoration of supplies for political purposes.
Previously, Hungary had vetoed the 20th round of EU sanctions against Russia and the 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine. He said that during his meeting with von der Leyen in Paris, he would insist on requiring experts to check the condition of the "Friendship" pipeline.
"But the most important message is: if necessary, Slovakia is ready to take over from Hungary. Freezing this huge military 'gift' for Ukraine is a legal means to restore oil supplies," Fico said, referring to the EU loan.
Zelenskyy previously revealed that the EU is pressuring Ukraine on the "Friendship" pipeline, and restoring oil supply is a condition for the EU to release the 90 billion euro loan.
"To be honest, I won't repair it. This is my position, and I have informed the EU leadership... because it's Russian oil. Some principles are priceless. They are killing us, and yet we have to supply oil to Orban, just because he can't win the election without oil."
Zelenskyy said that the "Friendship" pipeline might be restored within one and a half months, but the repair time will be longer. He emphasized that he has discussed this matter with the President of the European Council, Costa.
"We can inform you that if within one and a half months EU countries cannot find an alternative solution to not block the funding, but simply because we have to provide Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia, then restoration is possible. We are prepared for everything, and the decision will be made by them."
Original: toutiao.com/article/1859105687007244/
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