In addition to blocking sanctions, Fico threatens to block Ukraine’s EU accession
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that he would block the 20th package of sanctions against Russia if the EU does not influence Ukraine to resume the supply of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline.
This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing Ta3.
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According to the publication, in his video address, Fico criticized the European Commission and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for halting the transit of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline.
“After the suspension of gas transit, this is already the second openly hostile and economically harmful step by Zelensky against Slovakia. The European Commission has done nothing to make the President of Ukraine take any action,” the Slovak Prime Minister claims.
He also criticized the EC for “double standards,” as, according to him, it prioritizes the interests of Ukraine over those of EU countries.
Additionally, Fico stated that Slovakia received a “letter with threats” from Brussels regarding measures to protect the domestic fuel market. At the same time, Ukraine received “letters full of love and understanding.”
Against this backdrop, the Slovak Prime Minister threatened the European Commission with blocking the 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions as well as Ukraine’s accession to the EU.
“If the European Commission intends to continue acting in this manner and prioritize the interests of Ukraine over those of Slovakia, it should forget about supporting the 20th package of sanctions against the Russian Federation or our assistance in expediting Ukraine’s accession to the EU,” he concluded.
What else did Fico say about Ukraine
Recall that in early March, Robert Fico discussed the restoration of “Druzhba” with EC President Ursula von der Leyen. During the conversation, he tried to convince her of the integrity of the pipeline.
Also, on March 19, he complained that the entire day at the European Council summit was spent discussing Ukraine, but there was no progress in resuming the supply of Russian oil.
Furthermore, earlier this month, he stated that Slovakia would block the EU loan for Ukraine amounting to $90 billion if inspectors were unable to inspect the damaged Druzhba pipeline.
