In a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico has taken a defiant stance against Ukraine, demanding a swift resumption of Russian oil flows through its territory. This development highlights the intricate balance of energy dependency and diplomatic tensions in Central Europe, particularly as the region navigates its reliance on Russian resources amidst ongoing conflicts.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has issued a stern ultimatum to Ukraine, demanding the resumption of Russian oil pumping through its territory within two days or face the possibility of electricity supply cuts. In a statement posted on X, Fico warned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of potential repercussions, indicating that he would direct the state-owned company SEPS to cease emergency electricity supplies if oil flows via the Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline are not restored by Monday.
Both Slovakia and neighboring Hungary have remained reliant on Russian oil since the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago. The demand for the resumption of oil deliveries has intensified, particularly after a Russian drone strike reportedly targeted infrastructure in Ukraine late last month, leading to the shutdown of the Druzhba pipeline.
Fico accused Zelenskyy of acting “maliciously” toward Slovakia, referencing Ukraine’s halting of Russian gas supplies following the expiration of a five-year transit agreement on January 1, 2025. He claimed that this cessation has resulted in annual damages of approximately 500 million euros (9 million) for Slovakia. He further characterized Zelenskyy’s actions as “unacceptable behavior” and claimed refusing to include Slovakia in a proposed 90 billion euros (5 billion) military loan for Ukraine was a wise decision.
As a significant contributor to Ukraine’s energy needs, Slovakia provided 18% of record-setting electricity imports to Ukraine last month, a crucial lifeline given ongoing Russian military attacks that have severely impacted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Looking ahead, Fico’s comments come at a time when Hungary, along with Slovakia and the Czech Republic, is voicing opposition to the European Union’s recent interest-free loan package for Ukraine. This financing was approved in December to support Ukraine in responding to its military and economic challenges over the next two years. However, escalating tensions regarding the halted Russian oil supply have prompted Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to threaten a veto of this package unless Ukraine resumes oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline.
In response to these developments, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Slovakia and Hungary for what it termed “ultimatums and blackmail” regarding energy issues. The ministry accused the nations of playing into Russian hands, noting their awareness of the damage inflicted on the Druzhba pipeline by Russian attacks and affirming that repair work is underway. Ukraine has also suggested alternative routes to address the supply of non-Russian oil to these countries, reflecting its commitment to maintaining energy stability in the region.
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