Slovakia Gives Ukraine 48-Hour Ultimatum to Resume Russian Oil Flows
By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa
Slovak Prime Minister, Robert Fico has threatened to cut electricity exports to Ukraine if Russian oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline is not restored by Monday.
This follows a pipeline shutdown caused by a January drone strike.
Fico’s government remains dependent on Russian crude and has accused President Zelenskyy of acting maliciously. He linked the oil crisis to the expiration of previous gas transit agreements that have cost Slovakia millions in damages.
The threat is critical as Slovakia provides 18 percent of Ukraine’s electricity imports. These supplies are essential for maintaining Ukraine’s power grid, which has been severely damaged by ongoing Russian aerial bombardments.
Criticizing Ukraine’s stance, Fico stated, “As long as Ukraine blocks the Druzhba pipeline, Hungary will block the 90-billion-euro Ukrainian war loan. We will not be pushed around!” (referencing the joint stance with Hungary against the EU loan).
Hungary supports Slovakia’s position, with Prime Minister Viktor Orban threatening to veto a massive EU military loan for Ukraine. Both nations received temporary exemptions from EU bans on Russian oil due to their high dependency.
Ukraine has condemned the ultimatum as “blackmail” that serves Russian interests. Kyiv maintains that pipeline repairs are currently underway and has suggested alternative, non-Russian oil routes to resolve the diplomatic standoff.
