Slovakia resumes receiving Russian oil via Druzhba pipeline

Slovak Economy Minister Denisa Saková has stated that Russian oil supplies to Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline resumed early on April 23.

She said oil deliveries began at 2 a.m., after being suspended for nearly three months, Caliber.Az reports, citing Slovak media.

According to the minister, oil reception is currently proceeding in conformity with the agreed plan.

Preliminary reports indicate that the Ukrainian side was expected to transmit this plan to the Slovak oil transport operator Transpetrol on Wednesday, April 22.

The Druzhba pipeline carries Russian oil through Ukraine to Hungary, as well.

The repair of the pipeline paves the way for the adoption of the €90 billion loan for Ukraine and a new round of sanctions against Russia, both of which are currently vetoed by Hungary.

The Soviet-era pipeline has been out of order since a Russian drone attack on western Ukraine in late January.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov