The Slovak government has declared a state of emergency in the oil sector and threatened to halt electricity exports to Ukraine, citing a blockade of Russian oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline. Additionally, Bratislava is completely suspending diesel fuel shipments to the Ukrainian side.
As reported by Hvylya, Prime Minister Robert Fico announced the move following a cabinet meeting, according to Dennik N.
According to Kyiv, oil pumping ceased in late January due to infrastructure damage caused by Russian strikes. However, the Slovak premier, citing intelligence reports, claims repairs have long been completed. He accused Ukrainian authorities of deliberately blackmailing Hungary, which is blocking Ukraine's accession to the European Union.
"If our suspicions of political blackmail are confirmed, [Ukraine] will gradually lose our support," Fico emphasized, commenting on Kyiv's European integration prospects.
In response, the Slovak Cabinet is imposing a state of emergency starting February 19 and releasing state reserves. The Slovnaft refinery will receive 250,000 tons of crude, covering at least a month of operations. Simultaneously, the company is immediately halting fuel sales abroad.
"Slovnaft is currently suspending diesel exports to Ukraine and other export shipments. All production will be destined for the Slovak market," the head of the government stated.
Alternative supplies via Croatia's Adria pipeline would be costlier due to transit fees, while launching this route and building necessary pressure would take 20 to 30 days. Under EU rules, bloc members must maintain a 90-day emergency stock of petroleum products; Slovnaft is required to replenish the used strategic reserves by late September 2026.
Meanwhile, Hungarian government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs wrote on X: "Diesel exports from Hungary to Ukraine have stopped and will not resume until Ukraine restores oil transit to Hungary."
In his view, the halt in oil transit is a "purely political move," arguing that "restoring supplies is technically possible."
Kovacs assured that Hungary possesses strategic reserves. Additionally, 500,000 tons of oil have been ordered from Russia via sea transport, though its delivery requires Croatia's consent.
We previously reported that the EU is pressuring Ukraine regarding Druzhba.