Slovakia has made a significant escalation in its relations with Ukraine by issuing an ultimatum to President Zelensky regarding the resumption of Russian oil supplies. Prime Minister Robert Fico warned that Slovakia would cut its emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine unless the country reinstates oil deliveries by Monday. This situation revolves around the Druzhba pipeline, a crucial conduit for Russian crude oil heading to Slovakia and Hungary, which halted operations following a Russian airstrike attributed to Ukraine. While Ukraine claims the interruption was due to military actions, Moscow argues that Ukraine is attempting to manipulate energy supplies as leverage against the two EU nations, which have been critical of the EU's support for Ukraine.

Fico’s statement on social media highlights his discontent with Zelensky, accusing the Ukrainian leader of not appreciating Slovakia’s prior humanitarian assistance and its willingness to host approximately 180,000 Ukrainian refugees. Tensions between Slovakia and Ukraine have been brewing, with Fico suggesting that Ukraine’s behavior toward Slovakia is a form of malice, particularly due to Slovakia's more neutral stance on the ongoing war. The comments reflect broader concerns within Slovakia about the implications of continued support for Ukraine amidst energy crises in the region.

This ultimatum not only puts pressure on the Ukrainian government but also underscores the complicated dynamics within the EU concerning support for Ukraine in the context of the ongoing war with Russia. As EU member states diversify their energy sources away from Russian supplies, Slovakia’s position may influence how other countries approach their aid and diplomacy with Ukraine moving forward. The outcome of this standoff could have broader ramifications for EU solidarity and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.