The Slovak government has approved a proposal to terminate its emergency electricity supply agreement with Ukraine. This decision, initiated by Prime Minister Robert Fico, follows a series of geopolitical tensions and operational challenges related to energy supply.
The state-owned company SEPS, which manages the electricity supply, announced its intention to formally end the contract with Ukraine’s National Energy Company, Ukrenergo. Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenicky, as the sole shareholder of SEPS, is expected to oversee this process.
During a government meeting, SEPS Director Martin Magat confirmed the decision to cease emergency electricity deliveries, noting that the last supply occurred in January. He emphasized that the termination would not incur any penalties for Slovakia.
Magat also mentioned that Ukraine had previously requested emergency supplies but had not received them. The Slovak government’s decision comes in the wake of Ukraine halting oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline after a Russian attack on January 27, which damaged critical infrastructure.
On February 23, Fico announced the suspension of electricity supplies to Ukraine, linking it to the cessation of oil transit. In response, Ukrenergo stated that the potential end of electricity supplies would not impact Ukraine’s unified energy system, although they had not received any official documentation regarding the contract termination.
In a recent phone call on February 27, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with Fico, inviting him to visit Ukraine to discuss ongoing issues. Fico accepted the invitation but suggested that the meeting take place in an EU member state.
On January 27, a Russian attack in Brody, Lviv region, targeted an infrastructure facility linked to the Druzhba pipeline, causing significant damage and halting operations. This pipeline is crucial for transporting Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia.
Following the attack, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga reported that oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline had been suspended. He criticized Hungary for not expressing any protest against Russia regarding the attack, highlighting perceived double standards in their response.
Both Hungary and Slovakia have announced a halt to diesel exports to Ukraine until Russian oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline are restored. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has communicated with Budapest regarding the attack and the resulting damage, asserting that accusations of delays in supply are unfounded.
The European Commission has expressed a desire for Ukraine to resume operations on the Druzhba pipeline, but has acknowledged the risks of further Russian attacks, leaving the decision to Ukraine. On February 21, Fico warned that Slovakia would stop electricity supplies to Ukraine if oil transit was not restored.
In a collaborative effort, Hungary and Slovakia announced the formation of a joint investigative commission to assess the condition of the Druzhba pipeline and its operational status.
Slovakia's government has decided to terminate its emergency electricity supply agreement with Ukraine, citing geopolitical tensions and operational challenges. This decision follows a halt in oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline after a Russian attack, raising concerns about energy supply stability in the region.