The Slovak energy ministry has confirmed that deliveries of Russian oil through the repaired Druzba pipeline will resume on Thursday. This pipeline, which transports oil from Russia to Slovakia and Hungary via Ukraine, was damaged in a Russian attack at the end of January. The announcement of the resumption of oil flow comes amid tensions, with Slovakia accusing Ukraine of delaying the repairs and the Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stating that emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine will be halted until oil supplies resume.

The Druzba pipeline is significant not only for its geographical reach but also for political dynamics in the region. Slovakia and Hungary are currently the only EU countries exempt from the bloc's import ban on Russian oil, reflecting their close ties and reliance on Russian energy. This reopening is crucial for Slovakia as it grapples with energy supply challenges while balancing its relationships within the EU, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts involving Ukraine and Russia.

The implications of this development extend beyond just energy. Slovakia's decision to halt electricity supplies to Ukraine until oil delivery resumes indicates a broader strategic maneuver and highlights the complexities of energy politics in Europe, particularly in relation to the ongoing war in Ukraine. It showcases the delicate balance Slovakia must maintain between its domestic energy needs and its responsibilities as a member of the European Union, suggesting that further tensions could arise as these geopolitical dynamics evolve.