Slovakia has sent a strong warning to Ukraine. It will stop sending important electricity. This will happen unless Russian oil shipments start again by Monday. The oil comes through the Druzhba pipeline. Slovakia has problems with its energy imports. It believes Ukraine stopped Russian oil deliveries. This problem could make relations worse. It may also affect European energy security.
The main issue is the stopped oil flow. This started in late January. Ukraine said a Russian drone strike damaged its infrastructure. The Druzhba pipeline is very important for Slovakia and Hungary. They both receive Russian oil through it. This is happening even though Europe is trying to use less Russian energy. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said his country will stop electricity to Ukraine. He called Ukraine's actions "malicious."
Prime Minister Fico is also unhappy about gas. Ukraine stopped Russian gas after a deal ended. Slovakia believes this will cost it €500 million each year. Fico also does not like Ukraine's position on an EU loan. This loan is for military help. Fico said Ukraine was right to exclude Slovakia. He feels Ukraine is not supporting Slovakia enough.
Slovakia sending less electricity could hurt Ukraine. Slovakia provided 18% of Ukraine's electricity imports last month. Ukraine's energy system is already weak. Russian attacks often target energy sites. Losing this electricity supply would be difficult.
This disagreement has caused problems in the EU. Hungary also uses the Druzhba pipeline. Hungary was against the EU loan package. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán threatened to stop it. He was worried about the oil supply. A solution was found for the loan. However, Fico's new action shows that energy and politics are still linked in the EU. The next few days will show if relations improve.