The leaders of Ukraine and Slovakia have decided to meet privately to discuss the ongoing dispute regarding the Druzhba oil pipeline, which carries Russian oil to Slovakia and Hungary. The Slovak Prime Minister, Robert Fico, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban have accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of using 'blackmail' related to the pipeline that traverses Ukrainian territory. This diplomatic tension arises from allegations that the pipeline was damaged by Russian airstrikes on January 27, although Slovakia and Hungary maintain that repairs have already been completed.

The implications of this dispute extend beyond just the immediate concerns of oil transport; they touch on broader geopolitical dynamics in the region, particularly as Russia continues to exert pressure on its neighbors. The ongoing disagreement has resulted in Orban blocking an EU emergency loan to Ukraine, further complicating the situation. Reports indicate that Zelensky and Fico had previously discussed the matter over a phone call, during which Zelensky invited Fico to Ukraine to resolve all existing issues surrounding this crisis.

Fico's acceptance of the invitation marks a potential step toward resolving tensions, though he expressed a preference for the meeting to take place under conditions that might ease diplomatic friction. The future of these discussions will likely impact not only bilateral relations but also the strategic landscape of European energy supply and security amidst ongoing conflict in the region.