(MENAFN) Slovakia’s Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár has issued a stark warning to Ukraine, urging Kyiv to halt military actions targeting the Druzhba oil pipeline, cautioning that further strikes could inflict serious damage on both nations, according to local media reports.

Blanár’s appeal came during separate high-level calls with senior Ukrainian officials, including a Sunday conversation with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and a follow-up discussion on Monday with Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka, as reported by media.

During these calls, Blanár highlighted a joint diplomatic effort by Slovakia and Hungary, marked by a formal letter to the European Commission, pressing for strict adherence to energy security commitments for EU member states. He said Ukrainian officials responded positively, emphasizing their intent to pursue a “constructive approach” and expressing gratitude toward Slovakia “for the assistance provided since the military conflict broke out between Ukraine and Russia.”

Tensions escalated after Ukraine acknowledged on August 18 that its forces had launched a nighttime strike on the Nikolskoe oil pumping facility located in Russia’s Tambov region. The operation disrupted crude oil flows through the critical Druzhba pipeline, temporarily halting deliveries to Slovakia.

In reaction to the attack, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó publicly denounced the strike on Facebook on August 22, describing it as a direct threat to Hungary’s energy security and an effort to involve the country in the conflict. He also highlighted Hungary’s commitment to vigorously support peace initiatives while protecting its national interests.

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