In November 2023, the Bratislava prosecutor’s office announced that Slovakia’s 2023 transfer of MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine was not a criminal offense. The previous Slovak government, led by Eduard Heger, had donated the aircraft, making Slovakia the first to send warplanes to Kyiv after Russia’s full-scale invasion. The current government, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, had filed a criminal complaint against Heger and former Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad, but the investigation concluded the donation caused no harm to Slovakia and that officials did not act unlawfully. Nad has since welcomed the decision and expects a public apology from the current government.
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The European Union is reportedly preparing trade measures to potentially halt Russian oil imports through the Druzhba pipeline, the primary crude supply route for Hungary and Slovakia. These measures, unlike sanctions, would bypass the need for unanimous approval, thus circumventing potential resistance from these countries. This move aligns with the EU’s efforts to reduce dependence on Russian energy, a goal also encouraged by the US. Hungary and Slovakia are currently the only EU nations still importing Russian pipeline oil, while Czechia recently ended its imports.
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Following a recent drone and missile attack on the Druzhba oil pipeline in Russia’s Bryansk region, Hungary and Slovakia are requesting the European Commission to pressure Ukraine to halt attacks on the pipeline. This incident marks the third disruption to the pipeline in under two weeks, which supplies oil to both countries. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó condemned the strike as an attempt to involve Hungary in the war and asserted that his country will continue to support peace efforts while defending its national interests. Slovakia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Denisa Saková confirmed that the attack has also disrupted oil deliveries to Slovakia.
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Ukraine has targeted the Druzhba oil pipeline, which delivers Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia, disrupting supplies to these EU member states. The attack on the Unecha pumping station in Russia’s Bryansk region, confirmed by Ukrainian officials, prompted Hungary and Slovakia to request assistance from the European Commission. This strike marks the third attack on the pipeline in recent times, eliciting condemnation from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who opposes EU sanctions on Russian energy. Hungary and Slovakia are the only EU nations still reliant on Russian oil, and the interruption has further heightened tensions amidst the ongoing conflict.
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Ukrainian attack suspends Russian oil flows to Hungary, Slovakia, and it’s a significant event, wouldn’t you say? It’s a moment where the geopolitical chessboard shifts, and the consequences ripple outwards. We see that Ukraine’s actions have directly impacted the flow of Russian oil, and the two countries most directly affected are Hungary and Slovakia.
It seems like the implications here go beyond a simple disruption of supply chains. There’s a clear sentiment expressed – a mix of relief, vindication, and even a touch of schadenfreude, aimed particularly at the governments of Hungary and Slovakia. Some commentators view this interruption as a form of “kinetic sanctions,” as if Ukraine is stepping in where European nations haven’t, or couldn’t, act decisively enough.… Continue reading
The EU is expected to finalize its 18th sanctions package against Russia this week after delays due to objections from Hungary and Slovakia, according to Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna. Unanimous approval is needed for EU sanctions, and both countries previously expressed resistance to the new measures, which include restrictions on Russia’s energy and banking sectors. Slovakia’s concern centers on clarifying the financial implications of the RePowerEU initiative, while Hungary has consistently opposed sanctions. Despite these challenges, the EU is striving to tighten pressure on Russia amid the ongoing conflict.
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In April 2024, Slovakian politician Ľuboš Blaha met with Russian officials in Moscow, echoing Kremlin narratives and criticizing NATO’s role in Ukraine. This meeting, along with others, signaled a troubling alignment with Russia, amplified by Blaha’s platform within an EU member state. Concerns are growing about the influence of Moscow-aligned actors within the Slovak government, particularly through informal channels like Prime Minister Fico’s advisor, David Lindtner. This normalization of contacts allows Russia to weaponize internal politics and turn EU member states into vectors for Kremlin narratives, making Slovakia a potential Trojan horse. This case study warns of Russia’s broader strategy to co-opt democratic institutions across Europe.
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Chancellor Merz announced a firmer stance against Hungary and Slovakia for their consistent blocking of EU sanctions on Russia, threatening potential EU funding cuts. This action stems from their pro-Russian stances, exemplified by opposition to military aid for Ukraine and consistent vetoes of sanctions. Merz highlighted that while they are a minority within the EU, their actions cannot dictate the bloc’s decisions. He emphasized the availability of legal mechanisms to pressure both countries, including infringement proceedings and the suspension of EU funds.
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At a presidential palace awards ceremony, mathematics olympiad medalist Simon Omaník declined to shake hands with President Peter Pellegrini, despite the president’s offer. Omaník’s refusal followed Pellegrini’s recent controversial statements regarding Ukraine, including his opposition to an official Kyiv visit and suggestion of territorial concessions. A Ukrainian flag ribbon on Omaník’s jacket suggests a possible connection between his actions and his views on the ongoing conflict. The incident concluded with a group photo featuring all three individuals.
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Following a meeting with Vladimir Putin on December 22nd, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s two-week absence from public view sparked considerable speculation. His location remained undisclosed despite social media posts, but investigative journalism identified his likely whereabouts as the Capella Hanoi hotel in Vietnam, contradicting earlier rumors of a Dubai trip. This absence coincided with a halt in government communication regarding Fico’s activities. The prime minister’s subsequent address, threatening aid restrictions to Ukraine, further fueled speculation surrounding his trip.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood