Zelenskyy has invited Slovak PM to Kyiv for talks addressing «all concerns» following a week marked by tensions over the Druzhba pipeline. Previously, Hungary and Slovakia requested access from Kyiv to inspect the pipeline’s premises.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy extended an invitation to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to visit Ukraine in order to discuss «all concerns» amid mounting tensions related to the Druzhba pipeline conflict.

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This invitation came after a phone conversation on Friday morning between the two leaders, amid escalating disagreements between Ukraine, Slovakia, and Hungary concerning a vital pipeline supplying more affordable Russian oil.

The pipeline has remained inactive for approximately one month following a disruption of transit through Ukraine. Both Slovakia and Hungary have urged for the swift restoration of oil deliveries.

These two nations are currently the only EU members still receiving Russian oil imports.

Both have accused Kyiv of intentionally delaying repair efforts for political motives aimed at pushing them away from purchasing Russian energy. In a social media post Friday morning, Fico claimed that the pipeline maintenance is underway and Kyiv cannot continue to defer delivery deadlines. He dismissed criticism regarding the import of Russian fossil fuels.

«According to EU agreements, we hold an exemption from sanctions. This is not “Russian oil,” but our entitlement to receive shipments that have been contracted and paid for,» Fico stated in his post.

The dispute intensified this week after Hungary blocked an EU financial aid package valued at €90 billion destined for Ukraine, provoking sharp criticism from member states supporting Kyiv and condemning the act as blackmail.

In retaliation, Slovakia ceased diesel, gas, and electricity supplies to Ukraine.

Earlier on Friday, Fico reached an agreement with Orbán to form a joint investigative commission to evaluate the pipeline’s status, demanding that Ukraine grant access to the team.

Fico had previously visited Ukraine in September 2025, during which both sides discussed bilateral topics, including energy imports.