Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico issued a stark 48-hour ultimatum to Ukraine on February 21, 2026, threatening to halt critical emergency electricity exports unless Kyiv restores Russian oil transit through the damaged Druzhba pipeline by Monday.
Druzhba Pipeline Crisis Trigger
The Soviet-era pipeline, vital for Slovakia and Hungary’s Russian crude supply, halted flows since January 27 after a Russian drone strike damaged infrastructure in western Ukraine. Fico accuses Kyiv of deliberate repair delays, labeling it “malicious behavior” amid Slovakia’s 18% share of Ukraine’s record January electricity imports.
Electricity Leverage in Play
As a key EU supplier filling gaps from Russia’s systematic energy grid assaults, Slovakia—alongside Hungary—provides half of Europe’s emergency power to Ukraine. Fico’s X post warned President Zelenskyy: “Slovakia cannot accept one-way relations benefiting only Ukraine,” tying oil resumption to continued grid stabilization aid.
Hungary Echoes the Stand
PM Viktor Orbán similarly threatened to block €90 billion EU loans, framing Ukraine’s pipeline stance as blackmail. Both pro-Moscow leaders diverge from broader European support, escalating intra-NATO tensions during Ukraine’s harsh winter blackouts.
Broader Geopolitical Ripples
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry condemned the moves as “ultimatums and blackmail,” highlighting fragile EU unity as Russian strikes intensify. Fico invokes Nord Stream sabotage precedent, positioning Slovakia’s energy security as non-negotiable amid war’s spillover effects.
