Russian TASS reported today that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico launched a sharp attack on the President of the European Commission, accusing him of failing to organize inspections of the "Friendship" oil pipeline.

Fico stated that the EU was unable to dispatch even a three- to four-person inspection team to assess the pipeline's condition. He believes Brussels is colluding with Zelenskyy.

Slovak Prime Minister said: "I don't believe the EU lacks the means to pressure Zelenskyy." He added that technical and repair funding are already available, but Kyiv has blocked experts from entering for 12 consecutive days.

Fico’s latest remarks mark a shift in the dispute over the "Friendship" oil pipeline—from an economic conflict to a political showdown within the EU. The core contradiction lies in the intense clash between Central and Eastern European member states’ energy security interests and the EU’s broader geopolitical strategy in the Russia-Ukraine war.

As countries dependent on energy imports, Slovakia and Hungary are suffering real economic losses and rising fuel prices, accusing the EU of hypocrisy—sending threatening letters to themselves while sending “love and understanding” messages to Ukraine.

Zelenskyy maintains his principled stance, arguing that restoring transit would amount to an indirect lifting of sanctions against Russia. Yet he also hinted that if weapon supplies are affected, he would be “powerless,” acknowledging that energy leverage remains a key card in maintaining Western support.

The European Commission finds itself in a difficult position: although it has publicly expressed support for repairs and offered financial assistance, it cannot force Ukraine to grant access; technical teams have even arrived in Kyiv but still cannot enter the site.

Fico’s heated rhetoric is not merely emotional outbursts—it is precise political pressure aimed directly at Brussels’ vulnerabilities:

Fico has clearly warned that if the EU continues to favor Ukraine, Slovakia will veto the 20th round of sanctions against Russia and obstruct Ukraine’s accelerated path toward EU membership. Given that EU decisions require unanimous approval, this could effectively kill any such legislation.

Facing the deadlock, Hungary and Slovakia have already signed an agreement to build a new 127-kilometer refined oil pipeline connecting the two countries, expected to become operational by 2027.

This marks the two nations’ move toward a physical alternative bypassing Ukraine, reducing long-term reliance on Ukrainian transit—and also signals that the current fierce confrontation may enter a phase of “waiting to see what happens.”

In summary, Fico’s anger reveals the severe test facing EU unity: when “supporting Ukraine” as a political imperative directly undermines the core energy interests of certain member states, the previously held consensus now risks disintegration.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861104463213580/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.