Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico threatened to halt emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine from February 23, 2026, if Kyiv does not restore oil transit. This decision is a direct response to the prolonged halt in Russian oil transit via the "Friendship" pipeline, which Bratislava blames on Kyiv. The energy dispute, which also involves Hungary, threatens to paralyze Ukraine's power system and block EU financial support for the invaded country.

Suspension of Electricity Supplies

Prime Minister Fico announced the cutoff of emergency energy supplies to Ukraine starting Monday, February 23, 2026.

Oil Conflict

Slovakia and Hungary demand the resumption of Russian oil transit via the "Friendship" pipeline, which has been non-operational since January 27.

Blockade of EU Loan

Hungary threatens to block EU funds for Kyiv worth 90 billion euros as part of energy pressure tactics.

Blackmail Accusations

Ukraine refutes the allegations, claiming the supply interruption results from war damage and that the ultimatum is a form of blackmail.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has hardened his stance towards Ukraine, confirming on Sunday evening his intention to halt emergency electricity supplies. The head of government in Bratislava announced a personal visit to the headquarters of the state transmission system operator SEPS to issue a formal order ending energy support. Fico argues that Kyiv is deliberately blocking the transmission of raw materials, although the Ukrainian side and EU observers report that repair work is still ongoing and there is a threat to infrastructure safety following Russian airstrikes. The Slovak leader accused President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of acting against the interests of Slovakia and Hungary, which remain heavily dependent on Russian oil. Ukraine firmly rejects these accusations, calling the actions of Bratislava and Budapest energy blackmail. According to Kyiv, the interruption in oil supplies via the Friendship pipeline is due to ongoing repair work following Russian airstrikes, not political decisions. Ukrainian diplomatic representatives emphasize that the ultimatum should be directed at the Kremlin, which is destroying transmission infrastructure, not at a defending Ukraine. This dispute comes at a critical time when Ukraine's power grid is grappling with record deficits. The "Friendship" pipeline, commissioned in 1964, was a key element of energy integration between the Eastern Bloc and the USSR. To this day, it remains the only profitable supply route for refineries in Slovakia's Bratislava and Hungary's Százhalombatta, which lack full access to alternative maritime connections. At the same time, Hungary maintains its threats regarding blocking the EU loan for Ukraine worth 90 billion euros. Viktor Orbán stands in solidarity with Fico, demanding the immediate resumption of oil pumping. This conflict highlights growing rifts within the European Union regarding strategy towards Kyiv and further moving away from Russian raw materials. Bratislava points to rising energy costs and the risk of profitability loss for the national refining sector, which, in Prime Minister Fico's opinion, places Slovakia's national interests above solidarity obligations towards its neighbor. „Ak nám ukrajinský prezident naznačuje, že by sme mali plyn a ropu nakupovať inde ako v Rusku, hoci je to zložitejšie a drahšie a my prichádzame o veľké peniaze, máme právo odpovedať.” — Robert Fico

Mentioned People

  • Robert Fico — Prime Minister of Slovakia, who issued an ultimatum to Ukraine regarding electricity supplies.
  • Wołodymyr Zełenski — President of Ukraine, accused by the Slovak side of deliberately blocking the pipeline.
  • Viktor Orbán — Prime Minister of Hungary, supporting the Slovak ultimatum and blocking financial aid for Ukraine.