Druzhba oil supplies subject to political blackmail by Kyiv, Slovak PM says

Slovak Prime Minister Eduard Heger accused Kyiv of using oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline for political blackmail during a press conference in Bratislava on Tuesday, escalating tensions between the neighboring countries amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. The Druzhba pipeline, Europe's longest oil pipeline, has been a critical energy artery for Slovakia and other Central European nations, transporting Russian oil refineries to Western markets. Heger's comments came as Slovakia faces increasing pressure to align with EU sanctions against Russia while maintaining its energy security. The Slovak leader suggested that Ukraine was manipulating oil transit flows as leverage in broader political negotiations, potentially affecting Slovakia's energy-dependent economy. Ukrainian officials have not yet responded directly to these allegations, but previous statements from Kyiv have emphasized its commitment to maintaining energy transit through its territory. The accusation of political blackmail adds another layer of complexity to already strained relations between the two countries, with Slovakia previously expressing concerns about Ukrainian refugee policies and military support coordination. Energy analysts note that any disruption to Druzhba supplies could have immediate economic consequences for Slovakia's industrial sector and households.