Fico fears Zelenskyy could destroy Druzhba pipeline
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has claimed that Ukraine could destroy the Druzhba oil pipeline on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's orders to prevent future deliveries of Russian oil.
Source: Fico in a video released on his Facebook on Sunday 8 March, as reported by European Pravda
Details: Fico criticised what he called the "ruthless, crude violation" of international law by large and powerful states, in an apparent reference to Ukraine's president, saying it "pushes others into a cowboy style of behaviour".
Quote: "What Ukraine's President Zelenskyy showed when he threatened Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán crosses all red lines."
More details: Fico further claimed that Zelenskyy "constantly harms us and believes he can force us to abandon our peaceful stance for a war footing".
Quote: "He [Zelenskyy] is completely wrong about that. He does not know me… Oil supplies through Ukraine's territory are vital for us. But it is clear the president of Ukraine has no intention of continuing them, which would mean huge losses for us."
More details: Fico also criticised the European Commission, accusing it of prioritising the interests of Ukraine, which is not an EU member, over "the vital national interests of Slovakia and Hungary as EU member states".
Quote: "I will continue to propose that the Commission compel the Ukrainian president, who has all the levers to do so, to allow a visit to the place where the pipeline was supposedly damaged. Our information and satellite images confirm nothing has happened to the pipeline. If we delay, I have no doubt that the Ukrainian president is capable of destroying the pipeline."
Background:
- Fico has indicated that he is willing to follow Hungary's example and block a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine if Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party loses the election.
- On 6 March, the European Commission confirmed that Fico has requested a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, which is expected to take place soon.
- Fico also said he intends to coordinate his position with the European Commission on the Druzhba oil pipeline before any meeting with Zelenskyy.
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