The article discusses escalating tensions between Slovakia and Ukraine as Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico threatens to halt electricity supplies to Ukraine, citing the latter's actions as coercive. Fico, who maintains a close relationship with Russia following the country's large-scale invasion of Ukraine, indicated on Wednesday that he had authorized the release of 250,000 tons of oil from emergency reserves due to disruptions caused by damage to the Druzhba oil pipeline during a Russian attack.

Ukrainian officials reported that the pipeline, which runs from Russia through its territory to Slovakia and Hungary, was shut down following damage sustained near the city of Brody. Fico accused Kyiv of blocking oil shipments and using the situation as a means of blackmail against Hungary, which opposes Ukraine's bid for EU membership. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán echoed these sentiments, using social media to claim that Ukraine was engaging in coercive tactics.

This situation underscores the growing rift in relations between these Central European countries and highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play, especially given Hungary's and Slovakia's connections with Russia amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The implications of halting energy supplies could be significant for Ukraine, which is grappling with resource shortages as it defends against Russian aggression.