Bratislava – Slovakia declared a state of emergency on Wednesday, February 18, in response to disruptions in oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline. The move, set to grab effect Thursday, prompted the Slovak government to tap into its strategic reserves to ensure the continued operation of the Slovnaft refinery. In a sharply worded statement, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico threatened to halt emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine if Kyiv does not resume oil transit through the pipeline. “If the President [Volodymyr Zelenskyy] deems these supplies unimportant, You can decide to withdraw from the agreement on electricity supplies,” Fico announced, according to TVN24.
The declaration of a state of emergency and the release of up to 250,000 tons of oil from strategic reserves are intended to help Slovnaft, owned by Hungarian energy company MOL, secure alternative supply routes following damage to the Druzhba pipeline in Ukraine in late January during Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, Business Insider Polska reported.
Fico has repeatedly accused Ukraine of deliberately delaying the restart of the Druzhba pipeline, which delivers Russian oil to Slovakia and Hungary. He alleges that Kyiv is attempting to pressure Budapest, which opposes Ukraine’s membership in the European Union. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry stated that transit was halted due to Russian attacks on infrastructure at the end of January. However, Fico expressed distrust in both accounts, stating, “I don’t grasp who bombed the oil infrastructure in Ukraine. Both sides have lied so many times that I wouldn’t dare say,” Energetyka24.com reported. He believes the situation has become a matter of “political blackmail.”
Slovakia continues to purchase both oil and gas from Russia, citing a lack of access to sea terminals and the high costs associated with diversifying its supply sources. The issue of energy supplies was also discussed during a meeting between Fico and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Bratislava. The two leaders also discussed cooperation in the field of nuclear energy, following the signing of an agreement between Slovakia and the United States in January, according to TVN24.
Fico Accuses Ukraine, Claims “Both Sides Lied”
Premier Fico’s accusations extend beyond simply delaying the pipeline’s restart. He suggests a deliberate attempt to harm Slovakia’s energy security. He has reportedly requested that the Slovak ambassador in Kyiv deliver a note to Ukrainian authorities demanding an explanation for the continued suspension of oil deliveries. Fico also wants Slovak and Hungarian representatives to inspect the facilities in Brody, Ukraine, to assess the state of the pipeline firsthand.
Geopolitical Context and Regional Stakes
This situation unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine and broader European efforts to reduce reliance on Russian energy. Slovakia’s dependence on Russian oil, coupled with Fico’s historically pro-Russian stance – including promises not to send “a single bullet” to Ukraine and suspending military aid, as reported by Onet.pl in August 2025 – adds a layer of complexity to the crisis. Hungary shares similar concerns regarding energy security and has also been critical of sanctions against Russia. The dispute highlights the vulnerabilities of Central European nations reliant on Russian energy and the potential for political leverage in the context of the war in Ukraine.
The potential disruption of electricity supplies from Slovakia to Ukraine represents a further escalation of tensions. While the amount of electricity supplied is not publicly quantified, any reduction in aid could impact Ukraine’s ability to maintain critical infrastructure during the winter months.
What comes next will depend on the outcome of diplomatic efforts and the pace of repairs to the Druzhba pipeline. The situation underscores the urgent need for diversification of energy sources in Central Europe and the potential for energy security to become a key point of contention in the ongoing geopolitical landscape. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
