Slovakia and Hungary Dispute Russian Oil Halt, Threatening EU Aid to Ukraine

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has demanded Ukraine resume the flow of Russian oil through its territory within two days, threatening to halt electricity supplies to Ukraine if the demand isn’t met. This dispute, alongside similar concerns from Hungary, is escalating tensions and potentially jeopardizing a crucial €90 billion ($105 billion) EU aid package for Ukraine.

Oil Transit Interruption and Accusations

Slovakia and Hungary, both reliant on Russian oil following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, are seeking the resumption of deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline. Flows were interrupted in late January following what Ukraine described as a Russian drone strike on pipeline infrastructure Robert Fico accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of acting “maliciously,” referencing Ukraine’s earlier cessation of Russian gas transit after a five-year agreement expired on January 1, 2025, a move Fico claims is costing Slovakia €500 million ($589 million) annually.

EU Aid Package in Peril

Fico characterized Zelenskyy’s actions as “unacceptable behaviour,” and defended his decision not to participate in the recent €90 billion military loan for Ukraine. Hungary, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has similarly taken a firm stance, threatening to veto the EU loan package if the Druzhba pipeline remains blocked. Orbán stated on Facebook, “As long as Ukraine blocks the Druzhba pipeline, Hungary will block the 90-billion-euro Ukrainian war loan. We will not be pushed around!”

Ukraine’s Response and Alternative Solutions

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Slovakia and Hungary’s “ultimatums and blackmail,” asserting that the two countries are “playing into the hands of the aggressor [Russia].” Ukraine has provided information to both nations regarding damage caused by “Russian attacks” on the Druzhba pipeline and is currently undertaking repairs. Ukraine has also proposed alternative methods for supplying non-Russian oil to Slovakia and Hungary.

Slovakia’s Role in Ukrainian Electricity Supply

Slovakia is a significant provider of electricity to Ukraine, particularly crucial given the damage to Ukraine’s power grid from Russian attacks. Energy sector data indicates that Slovakia supplied 18 percent of Ukraine’s record-setting electricity imports last month.

EU Exemptions and Previous Opposition

Both Slovakia and Hungary previously received temporary exemptions from an EU policy prohibiting imports of Russian oil. The three nations—Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic— initially opposed the EU’s interest-free loan package for Ukraine, which replaced a plan involving frozen Russian assets due to legal challenges. A compromise was reached allowing the package to proceed while offering protection to the three opposing nations from any financial repercussions.