Slovakia's Ministry of Economy confirmed on Tuesday that Russian oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline, which runs through Ukraine, are set to resume on Thursday. This announcement comes after Slovakia threatened to cut emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine if the pipeline, essential for bringing Russian oil to Slovakia and Hungary, was not reopened. The last reported date for the resumption of supplies had been postponed to February 26, but this delay had not been justified by Ukrainian authorities.

The Slovak Prime Minister, Robert Fico, indicated that Slovakia would halt emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine if the key Druzhba pipeline was not reopened, emphasizing the critical nature of this supply route. Tensions have been rising as Hungary has also threatened to block the EU's 20th package of sanctions against Russia, reflecting the complex geopolitical dynamics at play. Budapest is eager to expedite the restoration of Russian oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline to Hungary via Ukraine.

Ukrainian authorities stated that the Druzhba pipeline had been closed due to various issues related to security and administrative controls, affecting the flow of Russian oil further into Europe. This situation highlights the interconnectedness of energy supplies in the region and the significant reliance on Russian oil for several Central European countries, amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions with the West and the ramifications of sanctions against Russia.