Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has stated that Slovakia is prepared to veto a planned €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine if Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is unseated in the upcoming elections. Fico's assertion highlights Slovakia's reliance on Russian oil and its grievances over Ukraine's decision to halt oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline, a move linked to ongoing tensions stemming from the war. He characterized this stance as a justified means of pressuring Ukraine to resume oil deliveries essential for both Slovakia and Hungary.

The backdrop of this situation involves the significant dependence on Russian energy by both Slovakia and Hungary. Recently, the EU loan proposal was previously blocked by Orban after Ukraine terminated crucial oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia, claiming that the pipeline had suffered Russian strikes—a claim that Russia disputes. The tensions around energy supplies are further complicated by ongoing geopolitical struggles, with accusations exchanged between the affected nations about the underlying motives behind the oil supply interruptions.

Fico's remarks also reflect a sense of exasperation towards Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, suggesting that Ukraine's actions have adversely affected Slovakian interests. By branding Ukraine's current approach as harmful, Fico is signaling a potential shift in regional alliances and energy politics, particularly in how Eastern European countries align themselves with EU actions against Russia amid the ongoing conflict.