Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced the suspension of emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine, implementing his Saturday ultimatum. This decision is a direct response to the failure to resume transit of Russian oil via the 'Friendship' pipeline, which has been inactive since January following Russian airstrikes. The Slovak government accuses Kyiv of deliberately blocking the raw material, while Ukraine grapples with a critical power deficit in its energy system after massive missile attacks.

Suspension of electricity supplies

Slovakia as of February 23 ceases emergency transmission of electricity to Ukraine in response to the blockade of the Friendship oil pipeline.

Ultimatum to Kyiv

Robert Fico demands the resumption of oil transit, accusing Volodymyr Zelenskyy of deliberately withholding raw material supplies to Slovak refineries.

Russia's budget problems

Russian Urals oil is being sold at discounts of up to 20 dollars per barrel due to lack of demand and sanctions.

Pressure on shadow fleet

President Zelenskyy appeals to the EU to extend sanctions to maritime transport and Russian captains handling raw material exports.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico threatened that if oil transit is not resumed, starting Monday, February 23, 2026, the state transmission network SEPS may cease providing emergency energy support to Ukraine. This decision escalates the conflict over energy resource supplies. Fico argues that Slovakia cannot bear the costs of Kyiv's policy, which suggests abandoning cheap Russian oil and gas in favor of more expensive alternatives. According to the Slovak prime minister, Ukraine is abusing the solidarity of its neighbors while simultaneously blocking the allegedly repaired 'Friendship' pipeline. The situation in Ukraine's energy system is dramatic. In January 2026, electricity import demand surged sharply, reaching nearly 900,000 MWh, which accounted for over one-quarter of the entire import from the record year 2025 in this regard. The suspension of supplies from Slovakia, combined with the earlier blockade of diesel exports from the Slovnaft refinery, puts Kyiv in an extremely difficult negotiating position. Meanwhile, Hungary has announced a blockade of the EU loan worth 90 billion euros until oil transit is restored. The 'Friendship' pipeline, built in the 1960s, remains one of the most important transmission arteries connecting Russian fields with Central Europe, serving as a key supply source for refineries in Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia. In the background of the energy dispute, pressure on the Russian oil sector continues. Polish Economic Institute points to a decline in Russian oil production to 9.1 million barrels per day. The lack of buyers for Russian raw material forces the Kremlin to apply deep discounts, reaching up to 20 dollars relative to Brent oil prices. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appealed to the European Union to include another package of sanctions against the Russian shadow fleet and maritime services supporting the export of raw materials from Russia. „Ak prezident Ukrajiny naznačuje, že by sme mali kupovať plyn a ropu inde ako v Rusku, hoci je to ťažšie a drahšie a my prichádzame o veľké peniaze, máme právo odpovedať” (If the President of Ukraine suggests that we should buy gas and oil elsewhere than in Russia, even though it is more difficult and expensive and we are losing a lot of money, we have the right to respond) — Robert Fico

Mentioned People

  • Robert Fico — Prime Minister of Slovakia, made the decision to halt energy supplies to Ukraine.
  • Wołodymyr Zełenski — President of Ukraine, accused by the Slovak side of blocking oil transit.