The Slovak Ministry of Economy has stated that Russian oil deliveries through the 'Druzhba' pipeline, which runs through Ukraine, are likely to restart on Thursday. This announcement comes after Prime Minister Robert Fico noted that Slovakia will halt emergency electricity exports to Ukraine until Russian oil supplies are restored. The pipeline is significant as it supplies not only Slovakia but also Hungary, highlighting the regional interdependencies in energy supply chains.

The resumption date for oil supplies was initially pushed to February 26, according to the ministry, which indicated that Ukraine had not provided explanations for this postponement. The Druzhba pipeline had sustained damage during Russian strikes on January 27, raising concerns over the reliability of energy imports in the region. Hungary and Slovakia have criticized Ukraine for allegedly delaying necessary repairs to the pipeline, adding to the tensions in regional energy politics.

In a parallel development, Hungary has blocked a new package of EU sanctions against Russia and the planned €90 billion loan to Ukraine. This indicates a growing rift and strategic maneuvering among Central and Eastern European states regarding responses to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the implications it has for energy security. The situation remains fluid as regional partnerships and dependencies are tested in the face of geopolitical challenges.