Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced that Slovakia will cease electricity exports to Ukraine starting Monday unless Kyiv resumes oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline. This decision comes amid escalating tensions between the two countries over energy supplies.
Fico conveyed his stance via a Facebook post, emphasizing Slovakia’s ongoing support for Ukraine since the onset of the war. He highlighted humanitarian assistance and the presence of approximately 180,000 Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia as evidence of the country’s commitment.
However, Fico criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, claiming that Ukraine’s actions have harmed Slovakia economically. He pointed out that the cessation of gas supplies from Ukraine has already resulted in annual losses of around 500 million euros for Slovakia. The Prime Minister expressed frustration over Ukraine’s recent suspension of oil supplies, which he argues has further complicated logistics and inflicted additional damage.
“If oil supplies to Slovakia are not restored by Monday, I will instruct the state company SEPS to halt emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine,” Fico stated.
The Prime Minister noted that emergency electricity exports were crucial for stabilizing Ukraine’s energy grid, with January 2026’s needs projected to be twice as high as those for all of 2025.
Fico further asserted that Slovakia cannot view its relationship with Ukraine as a one-sided benefit, criticizing Zelensky’s approach as hostile. He mentioned his decision to exclude Slovakia from a recent military aid package for Ukraine, which amounts to 90 billion euros, as a justified response to perceived aggression.
Previously, both the Hungarian and Slovak governments announced a halt to diesel exports to Ukraine until Russian oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline are restored. This joint decision reflects a growing regional concern over energy security and the ongoing conflict.
In response, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Kyiv had informed Budapest about Russian attacks on the Druzhba pipeline in Brody, Lviv Oblast, and argued that accusations of delays in oil supplies are illogical.
The European Commission has expressed a desire for Ukraine to resume operations on the Druzhba pipeline but acknowledged the risks of further Russian attacks. Consequently, the decision to restart the pipeline will ultimately rest with Ukraine.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has threatened to stop electricity exports to Ukraine if oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline is not restored. This situation highlights the growing tensions between the two nations amid ongoing energy supply challenges.