Fico called the resumption of Druzhba's work proof of Kiev's blackmail

The opening of the Druzhba oil pipeline tonight is a confirmation that it has not been damaged. This was announced on April 23 by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, commenting on the resumption of the pipeline.

"I believe that the opening of the Druzhba pipeline this morning is a clear confirmation that the Druzhba pipeline was not damaged. <...> Druzhba and oil were used as a tool in the geopolitical struggle that is currently underway," he said.

Fico stressed that the cessation of oil supplies from Russia has cost the European Union (EU) countries more than €10 billion. He added that about 13.5 thousand tons of oil are expected to be delivered to the republic in the near future, and about 119 thousand tons by the end of April.

On the pipeline: Kiev uses Druzhba to blackmail the new Hungarian authorities

Due to Ukraine's policy in Europe, the number of supporters of dialogue with Russia is growing

Slovakia's Minister of Economy Denisa Sakova announced on April 22 that the Druzhba oil pipeline would resume operation in the republic on the morning of April 23. The minister noted that the Ukrainian side began filling the pipeline from Belarus on Wednesday morning.

On April 22, Reuters reported that the EU ambassadors approved a loan to Kiev for €90 billion and the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. The article states that the EU expects Slovakia and Hungary to renounce disagreement with the decision after the restoration of fuel supplies via the Druzhba oil pipeline.