BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — Petroleum shipments from Russia to Slovakia have restarted through the Druzhba pipeline system that passes through Ukrainian territory, according to Slovak Economy Minister Denisa Saková on Thursday.
A growing diplomatic dispute has emerged between Ukraine and two European Union members, Hungary and Slovakia, after Russian petroleum deliveries to both nations stopped in January.
Both Hungary and Slovakia continue to rely on Russian energy sources, setting them apart from most other European Union countries.
The two nations have blamed Ukraine for not fixing a damaged section of the pipeline infrastructure. In response, Hungary has prevented approval of a substantial EU financial package for war-torn Ukraine, while Slovakia refused to support additional sanctions against Russia until energy deliveries were restored.
After a three-month interruption, petroleum shipments began moving again at 2 a.m. on Thursday.
