Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has escalated tensions with Ukraine by threatening to halt emergency electricity supplies unless oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline resume by Monday. The ultimatum comes amid a deepening energy crisis that began when Ukrainian officials reported pipeline damage from a January 27 attack, triggering Slovakia's declaration of an oil emergency.
"If oil supplies aren't restored, I'll ask SEPS to stop emergency electricity to Ukraine," Fico stated on social media, revealing that January 2026's emergency power transfers already doubled 2025's total. The Slovak transmission operator has been providing critical grid stabilization support to Ukraine since the conflict began.
The dispute intensified on February 18 when Fico accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of "political blackmail," citing Hungary's election interference claims. Slovakia maintains its non-combatant stance has drawn Ukrainian ire, with Fico asserting: "They act maliciously because we don't support the war."
Economic impacts are mounting – Slovakia reports €500 million annual losses since gas flows stopped in 2025, compounded by recent oil suspension logistical challenges. The Druzhba pipeline disruption affects both Slovakia and Hungary, key EU members reliant on Russian energy imports.
