Slovakia Halts Emergency Power to Ukraine Amid Oil Transit Dispute

Slovakia has suspended emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine, escalating a dispute over the transit of Russian oil through Ukrainian territory. The move, announced by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on Monday, February 23, 2026, is contingent on the resumption of Russian oil flows via the Druzhba pipeline [Politico].

Disrupted Oil Transit and Accusations

Oil transit to Slovakia and Hungary has been disrupted since late January following a Russian strike that damaged the Druzhba pipeline, a critical route for Russian crude oil to Central Europe [Politico]. Ukraine’s pipeline operator stated the January 27 attack caused significant infrastructure damage and that repairs are underway.

Slovakia and Hungary have accused Ukraine of deliberately delaying the repair of the pipeline and the resumption of oil supplies [AP News]. Kyiv has rejected these claims, asserting that the damage was a result of Russian strikes.

Fico’s Ultimatum and Potential Repercussions

Prime Minister Fico initially threatened to cut off emergency electricity supplies if oil flows were not restored by Monday, February 24, 2026 [Politico]. He has now followed through on this threat, instructing Slovakia’s state-owned grid operator, SEPS, to halt emergency power exports to Ukraine [Al Jazeera]. Fico stated that emergency supplies to Ukraine had doubled in January compared to the entirety of 2025.

Fico has also indicated that further measures could be taken if the situation is not resolved, including reconsidering Slovakia’s support for Ukraine’s EU membership aspirations [AP News].

Ukraine’s Response and Alternative Supply Routes

Ukrainian grid operator Ukrenergo stated it had not received official notification of the power cut but indicated that it would not significantly impact Ukraine’s energy system, noting that the last request for emergency assistance from Slovakia was over a month ago and in limited volume [Al Jazeera].

Ukraine has proposed using the Odesa–Brody pipeline or maritime routes as temporary alternatives to supply Hungary and Slovakia whereas repairs to the Druzhba pipeline are completed [Politico].

Despite Fico’s announcement, a Ukrainian official told the Kyiv Independent that Ukraine would still be able to import emergency electricity supplies from Slovakia, albeit at a different price [Kyiv Independent].

Regional Implications and Protests

Hungary has also accused Ukraine of halting Russian energy transit for political reasons and has threatened to block a planned €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine until oil flows resume [Politico]. Hungary also blocked a new package of EU sanctions against Russia.

Thousands of people demonstrated in Bratislava on February 24, 2026, to demonstrate support for Ukraine and condemn the Slovak government’s decision to halt emergency electricity exports [Al Jazeera]. Protesters chanted slogans against Fico and Russia.