Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has issued a warning that Slovakia will cease its electricity exports to Ukraine if the country fails to resume oil supplies from Russia by February 23. This ultimatum comes in the context of disrupted oil deliveries through the 'Druzhba' pipeline, which crosses Ukrainian territory. The disruption, attributed to damage from Russian drone attacks, has already created a significant oil shortfall in Hungary and Slovakia. Both Hungary and Slovakia have criticized Ukraine for delaying repairs to the pipeline, which is essential for restoring oil flows.

Fico's remarks reflect the growing tensions between Slovakia and Ukraine, particularly regarding energy supplies. The Prime Minister characterized Ukraine's response to the energy crisis as ineffective and has made it clear that he sees no positive outcomes from Ukraine's current approach. He indicated that any failure to restore oil deliveries could lead to a critical energy situation in Ukraine, particularly given that approximately 18% of Ukraine's electricity imports came from Slovakia in February 2026. Fico's insistence on linking electricity supplies to oil deliveries underscores the complexity of regional energy politics in the wake of ongoing conflicts.

This situation raises alarm about potential humanitarian impacts in Ukraine if electricity supplies are cut, especially during critical periods of winter. Furthermore, Fico's comments could have broader implications for Slovak-Ukrainian relations and the overall stability of energy supply chains in Central Europe. If Slovakia acts on Fico's threat, it may prompt a reevaluation of energy dependencies and collaborative efforts among neighboring countries to address energy security amidst geopolitical tensions.