**Bratislava, Slovakia** – Slovakia has issued a stark ultimatum to Ukraine, threatening to cease crucial electricity exports if Russian oil shipments through the vital Druzhba pipeline are not reinstated by Monday. The dramatic escalation comes as Bratislava contends with a significant disruption to its energy imports, which it attributes to Kyiv's decision to halt Russian crude deliveries. This dispute risks exacerbating already strained relations and could have wider ramifications for European energy security and aid to Ukraine.
The crux of the disagreement lies in the interruption of Russian oil flows, which commenced in late January following alleged damage to Ukrainian infrastructure by a Russian drone strike. For both Slovakia and neighbouring Hungary, the Druzhba pipeline represents a critical conduit for Russian oil, a dependency that has persisted despite broader European efforts to diversify away from Russian energy sources. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico publicly declared his intention to instruct the state-owned company SEPS to suspend emergency electricity provisions to Ukraine unless oil transit is resumed. This decision, he stated, was a direct response to what he termed Ukraine's "malicious" actions.
Fico’s grievances extend beyond the immediate oil supply issue. He also pointed to Ukraine's earlier cessation of Russian gas supplies after a five-year transit agreement expired on January 1, 2025. According to Slovak estimates, this move has inflicted financial damages amounting to approximately €500 million annually on the country. Furthermore, Fico expressed his disagreement with Ukraine's stance on a substantial €90 billion EU military loan package intended for Kyiv. He controversially suggested that Ukraine's exclusion of Slovakia from this initiative was "absolutely correct," implying a perceived lack of reciprocity from Kyiv.
The impact of Slovakia's potential withdrawal of electricity supplies could be considerable for Ukraine. Energy sector analysts indicate that Slovakia has been a significant provider, supplying 18% of Ukraine's electricity imports in the preceding month. This reliance underscores Ukraine's vulnerability, particularly in light of ongoing Russian attacks that have repeatedly targeted its energy infrastructure. The prospect of losing this vital import channel could further destabilise Ukraine's already precarious energy situation.
The dispute has also reverberated within the European Union. Hungary, which shares Slovakia's dependence on the Druzhba pipeline, had initially voiced strong opposition to the EU military loan package. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had even threatened to veto the initiative, citing the oil supply interruption as a primary concern. A compromise was eventually reached, allowing the loan package to proceed without a Hungarian blockade, with assurances provided to the involved nations regarding protection from potential financial repercussions. However, Fico's latest move suggests that the underlying tensions and the interconnectedness of energy and geopolitical considerations within the EU remain potent forces. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether diplomatic channels can avert a further deterioration of relations and a potential energy crisis for Ukraine.