Bratislava (Slovakia), April 23
The flow of Russian oil to Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline, passing through Ukraine, has resumed, Slovak Economy Minister Denisa Saková said on Thursday, bringing temporary relief to supply concerns after months of disruption. Oil deliveries to Slovakia and Hungary had been halted in January, triggering tensions with Ukraine over transit and supply issues. The disruption had sparked an ongoing dispute among the three countries. Saková confirmed the resumption of supplies but did not elaborate on the terms under which the flow restarted. The pipeline remains a key route for transporting Russian oil to Central Europe.
Hungary and Slovakia continue to rely on Russian energy imports, unlike several other European Union countries that have reduced their dependence in recent years following the Ukraine conflict. The restoration of oil flow is expected to ease immediate pressure on energy supplies in Slovakia, although differences over transit arrangements and long-term supply security remain unresolved.
