- Russia accuses Ukraine of sabotaging the Druzhba pipeline and criticizes Brussels.
- Slovakia and Hungary are defending their economic interests in the pipeline issue, the Kremlin comments.
- Hungary and Slovakia suspect Ukraine of political blackmail.
- Ukraine rejects the accusations and declares an effort to repair the damaged infrastructure.
Russia sees the Ukrainian sabotage of the Druzhba pipeline, as well as the clear and consistent positions of Slovakia and Hungary defending their economic interests. He announced it on Thursday Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, writes TASR according to TASS and Reuters reports. “We see the absolutely clear and consistent positions of Budapest and Bratislava, which stand behind their economic interests. We see sabotage on the part of the Kyiv regime. We can simply say that, there is nothing to comment on.” Peskov declared.
The spokeswoman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Marija, also commented on the situation regarding the Druzhba pipeline on Thursday Zakharova. “Ukraine’s blockade of transit through the Druzhba pipeline threatens the energy security of Hungary, Slovakia and the whole of Europe, which is why Brussels’ inaction is surprising,” she stated.
Russian oil has not flowed through the Druzhba pipeline to Hungary and Slovakia since January 27. According to Ukraine, the reason is the Russian attack on the oil pipeline facility in the city of Brody in the Lviv region. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico suspect Kyiv of political blackmail and interference in the election campaign in Hungary. Ukraine denies this and says it is working to repair damaged infrastructure.
