Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico has imposed a state of emergency regarding oil supply due to interruptions in Russian deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline, which runs through Ukraine. He announced that Slovakia would release 250,000 tons from its emergency reserves in response to the ongoing crisis. The Druzhba pipeline, supplying oil to Slovakia and Hungary, was reportedly damaged by Russian airstrikes at the end of January, leading to Ukraine's current blockage.

In addressing the situation, Fico cited reports from Slovak intelligence that highlighted the severity of the oil supply disruption, indicating that Slovakia could face significant economic challenges if the situation does not improve. He emphasized that if Ukraine continues to obstruct the pipeline operations, Slovakia would consider implementing retaliatory measures against its neighbor. This threat adds a layer of tension between Slovakia and Ukraine, as they navigate the complexities of energy supplies during ongoing geopolitical conflicts.

The implications of Slovakia's potential retaliatory actions are significant, considering the current fragility of energy supplies in Eastern Europe amidst the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Should Slovakia proceed with measures against Ukraine, it could exacerbate tensions in the already strained relations, complicating both countries' energy security pathways and deeper geopolitical dynamics in the region.