On February 24, 2026, marking the fourth anniversary of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Ukraine executed a significant offensive against Russian energy facilities, which resulted in the largest attack seen thus far in the war. Utilizing long-range drones, Ukrainian forces penetrated up to 1,200 kilometers within Russian territory, targeting the oil pumping station in the Tatarstan region at Kelekino, which was crucial for energy transportation.

The assault on the Kelekino station has severe ramifications for the energy supply of Hungary and Slovakia, with Hungary relying on this hub for 85% of its oil and Slovakia depending entirely on it for its oil needs. As a consequence of the devastation, Slovakia, infuriated by the attack, has cut off electricity supplies to Ukraine, which had previously supplied around 18% of Ukraine's electricity requirements. This retaliatory move underscores the attack's immediate geopolitical consequences as the conflict escalates.

This strike intensifies the already precarious energy front of the war, marking a significant shift in the dynamics between Ukraine and its neighboring countries who depend on Russian energy supplies. As military actions continue to escalate, the implications for energy stability in Central Europe become increasingly concerning, signaling a potentially more volatile future for the region amid the ongoing conflict.