On the 23rd, Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico declared the suspension of emergency power supply to Ukraine, attributing this measure to Ukraine's deliberate halting of Russian oil deliveries through Slovak pipelines. This decision poses potential risks for Ukrainian citizens who are already facing severe power outages due to ongoing Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. Fico emphasized that while Ukraine has argued the supply stoppage was due to pipeline damage caused by Russian aggression on January 27, Slovak authorities believe the pipeline remains operational.

In a video posted on social media, Fico stated that starting today, any requests for stabilization aid from Ukraine directed at Slovakia will not be met. He indicated that the amount of emergency power supplied to Ukraine in January had increased to twice the level compared to the previous year, primarily as a response to intensified Russian aggressions against energy facilities. However, Fico noted that if oil supplies were to resume, the suspension of power assistance would be reconsidered.

This development reflects the increasing tensions within energy politics in the region, particularly as Slovakia grapples with the implications of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Such actions may also influence Slovakia's relations with both Russia and Ukraine as they navigate the challenges posed by energy supply disruptions during wartime, potentially exacerbating the humanitarian situation in Ukraine as winter approaches.