Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has given Ukraine a two-day ultimatum torestart the pumping of Russian oil through its territory, threatening to cut electricity supplies to Ukraine if the request is not fulfilled. This announcement was made public following a communication with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Fico stated that if the flow of Russian crude oil through the Druzhba pipeline, a legacy of the Soviet Union that intersects with Ukraine, is not resumed by the set deadline of Monday, he would instruct the state-owned Slovenská elektrizačná prenosová sústava (SEPS) to discontinue emergency power supplies to Ukraine.

Disruption of Oil Supplies Sparks Tensions

The disruption of Russian oil supplies, which was halted following a reported drone strike attributed to Russia that impacted infrastructure in late January, has raised concerns in both Slovakia and Hungary. Both countries, reliant on Russian oil since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine nearly four years ago, are expressing mounting frustration over the cessation of these essential supplies. Fico condemned Zelenskyy for what he perceived as “malicious” actions against Slovakia, referencing Ukraine’s prior cessation of Russian gas deliveries after a five-year transit agreement lapsed at the beginning of 2025. He emphasized that this situation has resulted in significant financial losses for Slovakia, estimated at 500 million euros, or approximately 589 million dollars, annually.

Energy Imports and Military Loan Concerns

Slovakia plays a vital role in providing electricity to Ukraine, especially as the Ukrainian energy grid has been severely affected by ongoing Russian military actions. Experts indicate that Slovakia accounted for 18 percent of Ukraine’s record electricity imports last month. Both Hungary and Slovakia, along with the Czech Republic, were opposed to the European Union’s decision in December to provide an interest-free loan package aimed at supporting Ukraine’s military and economic resilience over the next two years. Although these nations expressed dissent regarding the financial aid, they refrained from blocking the initiative, receiving assurances against potential economic repercussions.

Hungary’s Stance Mirrors Slovakia’s Concerns

In parallel developments, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban also voiced strong opposition to Ukraine’s actions concerning the Druzhba pipeline. He threatened to annul the agreed-upon EU loan package if Ukraine does not allow for the resumption of oil supplies via the pipeline. He emphasized on social media that Hungary would not yield to pressure while Ukraine continues to obstruct Russian oil flow through the pipeline.

Diplomatic Strain and Responses

Both Slovakia and Hungary received temporary exemptions from the EU’s restrictions on Russian oil imports amidst the ongoing conflict. In response to the escalating tensions, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the demands from Slovakia and Hungary, terming them as “ultimatums and blackmail” that ultimately serve Russian interests. The Ministry affirmed that Ukraine had shared relevant information regarding damages sustained from Russian attacks on the Druzhba pipeline and indicated that repair efforts are currently underway. Additionally, Ukraine has proposed alternative solutions to ensure the supply of non-Russian oil to these nations.

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