Experts believe that the Druzhba oil pipeline will continue to be a target until Russia halts its attacks on Ukraine.
The recent Ukrainian attacks on the pipeline infrastructure in Russian territory have raised concerns, though Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár stressed that Slovakia is committed to finding solutions to ensure continued operation.
Economy Minister Denisa Saková (Hlas–SD) reassured the public, stating that Slovakia has reserves of oil and petroleum products sufficient for 90 days.
While Slovakia has worked to diversify energy sources to reduce dependency on Russian oil and gas, opposition members have pointed out that the coalition's claims about cheap Russian energy do not align with current market realities. Michal ŠÍPOŠ (Hnutie SLOVENSKO): “Diesel costs around €1.40 here and gasoline around €1.50. How is it possible that diesel and gasoline are cheaper in the Czech Republic when they don't buy Russian oil at all? Something doesn't add up here.”
Energy analyst Radovan Potočár discussed Slovakia’s reliance on the Druzhba pipeline. He noted that Central Europe has multiple oil flow connections to key European ports, including Rostock in Germany and Gdańsk in Poland.
However, security analyst Milan Mikulecký emphasized that attacks on the pipeline are legitimate under international law as part of Ukraine’s defense against an aggressor.
Despite this, Blanár called for a pragmatic approach to the issue to avoid further escalation and preserve stability in the region.
Source: STVR, Patrik Dubovský
