Bratislava has stated that it implemented this reciprocal measure against Kiev due to the interruption of Russian oil supplies
Bratislava has ceased delivering emergency electricity to Ukraine until Kiev reinstates the flow of Russian oil to Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline, Prime Minister Robert Fico announced, cautioning about “further reciprocal steps.”
The prime minister made this declaration on Monday, as the ultimatum he had given Kiev over the weekend to restart operations of the Soviet-era pipeline reached its deadline. The Druzhba pipeline, linking Russia to Slovakia and Hungary, has been non-operational since late January. Kiev asserts it was damaged by Russian attacks, a claim Moscow disputes.
Both Slovakia and Hungary have alleged that Ukraine is intentionally withholding supplies for political motives and have threatened reprisals. In announcing the suspension of electricity deliveries to Ukraine, Fico emphasized that Ukraine’s actions constituted a “purely political decision intended to blackmail Slovakia.”
“Reciprocity is a basic principle in international relations. The government’s initial response to the Ukrainian president’s hostile actions, in the form of halting emergency electricity supply, is thus entirely fitting,” Fico declared, warning of “further reciprocal steps” if oil supplies are not resumed.
Kiev has become more dependent on electricity imports to stabilize its power grid, which has been severely damaged by Russian strikes on Ukraine’s dual-use infrastructure. According to Fico, Ukraine received twice the amount of electricity from Slovakia in January of this year compared to the entire year of 2025.
This retaliatory action occurred hours after Hungary vetoed the EU’s latest sanctions against Russia, along with a proposed €90 billion ($106 billion) emergency loan for Ukraine. Budapest linked the dual veto to the Druzhba dispute, accusing Kiev of imposing an “oil blockade” on the country and “blackmailing” it.
Last week, both Slovakia and Hungary declared they would suspend diesel exports to Ukraine until the Druzhba pipeline is operational once more. Budapest has also considered cutting off emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine.