Slovakia's Ultimatum to Ukraine
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has issued an ultimatum to Ukraine, demanding the resumption of Russian oil transit by February 23, 2026. He has threatened to halt electricity exports to Ukraine if this condition is not met. The transit of Russian crude oil through Ukraine was halted on January 27 following large-scale attacks on energy infrastructure that caused significant damage.
Regional Energy Tensions
In February 2026, Slovakia accounted for approximately 18% of Ukraine's electricity imports. Amid this situation, both Slovakia and Hungary have declared a state of emergency in their oil sectors. The two countries have also suspended diesel fuel exports to Ukraine. Hungary, for its part, has blocked a 90-billion-euro European Union loan package for Ukraine.
“If Zelenskyy thinks that blackmailing Slovakia over oil will bring Ukraine closer to the EU, he is sorely mistaken.”
Robert Fico
This situation highlights the growing vulnerability of Ukraine's energy relations with its neighbors, which could have serious consequences for its energy security. These ultimatums, issued during a time of war and economic instability, risk complicating not only bilateral relations but also the broader regional situation. This dispute underscores the complex energy dependencies in Central Europe, where some nations remain reliant on Russian supplies. It is crucial to monitor developments, as they could impact international support for Ukraine and its path toward European Union integration.