Slovak PM Fico Warns of Ukrainian Oil Crisis Due to 'Druzhba' Pipeline Shutdown

Druzhba Pipeline Disruption Poses Major Threat

According to Главком: A prolonged shutdown of the Druzhba oil pipeline now threatens to halt Ukraine's domestic oil production entirely. This route became Ukraine's sole export channel for crude oil to the European Union following the destruction of its own domestic refineries. Prior to the disruption, Ukraine was exporting approximately 40,000 tons of oil monthly via this pipeline to the Hungarian company MOL, which processed the crude at its facilities in Hungary and Slovakia. In a recent phone call, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico discussed resuming oil transit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and issued a stark warning: Slovakia may halt emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine if oil shipments are not restored.

The Druzhba pipeline had been used for both the transit of Russian fuel and the export of Ukrainian crude to the EU. Until an attack on January 27, Ukraine injected its oil into the system via the Brody junction at a rate of roughly 40,000 tons per month. Since the last of Ukraine's operational refining capacity was destroyed in mid-2025, the Druzhba pipeline has remained the only available route for the country to sell its oil on external markets. This situation highlights Ukraine's increased energy vulnerability since the full-scale invasion began.

Energy Security Challenges and Escalating Tensions

During the February 27th phone conversation, Robert Fico urged Slovakia's national grid operator to consider temporarily suspending emergency electricity exports to Ukraine if oil transportation is not resumed. He stated clearly:

'If oil supplies to Slovakia are not restored by Monday, I will ask SEPS, the state-owned joint-stock company, to stop the emergency supply of electricity to Ukraine.' - Robert Fico

The situation regarding the transit of Russian oil across Ukrainian territory remains tense and requires urgent resolution to prevent further economic complications for Ukraine.

Restoring oil transport via the Druzhba pipeline is critically important for Ukraine's economy, as it is the only remaining export path following the closure of its refineries. A continued shutdown risks not only a vital loss of revenue but also escalating energy problems, particularly amid strained relations with neighboring states. International attention to this standoff could prove crucial in finding a path to de-escalation and restoring stability to the regional oil market.