Slovakia and Hungary have announced plans to propose the formation of an investigation group to assess the condition of the Druzhba oil pipeline, which has been subject to claims of damage affecting oil transit. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico made this announcement after conferring with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, indicating their mutual interest in addressing concerns raised by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding the pipeline's functionality. Fico highlighted that the information at their disposal suggests the pipeline remains operational, challenging the claims made by Zelenskyy.

The proposed investigation group would comprise representatives from Slovakia, Hungary, and the European Commission, and it is intended to facilitate a site visit to the affected area of the pipeline. Fico emphasized the urgency of this matter, stating that they would seek the European Commission's approval for the group's expedited deployment. This initiative comes amid heightened tensions in the region, as the pipeline is a critical component for oil transit and energy security, particularly given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Fico also noted that there has been a refusal to allow the Slovak ambassador in Kyiv to inspect the damaged site, raising questions about transparency and cooperation from the Ukrainian side. This situation illustrates the complexities of energy politics in Central Europe, where agreements between neighboring countries are crucial for securing resource transport and maintaining bilateral relations, especially in light of geopolitical challenges posed by the war in Ukraine.