Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has threatened to end emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine if oil transit from Ukraine is not restored following disruptions to the Druzhba oil pipeline.
Fico said that if Ukrainian authorities do not resume oil deliveries to Slovakia by Monday, he would ask state energy company SEPS a.s. to stop emergency electricity exports to Ukraine.
The emergency power supply arrangements help stabilise Ukraine’s energy grid during periods of heavy pressure.
Fico accused Ukraine of acting “maliciously” toward Slovakia, arguing that bilateral energy relations should not operate as a one-sided arrangement.
He claimed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously halted gas flows, allegedly causing Slovakia to incur about €500 million in annual losses, highlighting the significant economic risks involved.
“Now, interrupted oil transit, creating logistical and economic difficulties.”
Fico also referenced the destruction of the Russian gas pipeline network, including the Nord Stream infrastructure, arguing that European energy policy should not unfairly disadvantage Slovakia.
The Slovak leader emphasised national sovereignty, writing, “I am a proud and sovereign Slovak.”
He warned that continued disruptions to oil supplies could force Slovakia to reconsider its emergency support arrangements for Ukraine, potentially affecting regional energy security and stability.
The dispute follows wider European disagreements over energy security after large-scale Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure forced the suspension of Russian crude transit through Ukraine.
Transit through the Druzhba pipeline was stopped after strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities.
Meanwhile, Hungary also halted diesel exports to Ukraine, with Secretary of State Zoltan Kovacs stating that Ukraine’s supply suspension was politically motivated.
Hungary and Slovakia previously requested that Croatia allow Russian oil to transit through the Adriatic pipeline. However, Croatian officials said technical capacity already exists to keep supply routes operating, emphasising the feasibility of alternative routes.
Fico highlighted Slovakia’s ongoing support for Ukraine, including hosting approximately 180,000 Ukrainian refugees and providing humanitarian aid, to reinforce a sense of collective effort and moral responsibility.
He said Slovakia has supported Ukraine since the beginning of the war, but expects reciprocal cooperation in energy trade.
The energy dispute emerged after Russia’s renewed attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, which disrupted regional pipeline flows.
Energy analysts warn that unresolved political disagreements could heighten risks for Regional electricity and fuel markets, underscoring the importance of cooperation for stability.
