Slovakia halts emergency power supplies to Ukraine over Russian oil dispute

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by Al Jazeera StaffFebruary 23, 2026 at 09:54 PM

AI Summary

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Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced on February 23, 2026, that Slovakia is halting emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine. This action follows a two-day ultimatum issued to Ukraine to reopen the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian oil to Slovakia. Fico stated that the stoppage will remain in effect until oil transit resumes, citing a "purely political decision" by Ukraine to halt supplies. Ukraine claims the pipeline was shut down due to a Russian drone strike in late January. While Ukraine's grid operator stated they haven't been officially informed and it won't significantly impact their power system, Fico threatened further reciprocal steps, including reconsidering Slovakia's support for Ukraine's EU membership. Slovakia and Hungary, both reliant on Russian oil, have been urging Ukraine to resume deliveries.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Hungary 40% Ukrenergo 40% European Union 40% SEPS 50% Druzhba pipeline ×470% Volodymyr Zelenskyy ×270% Russia ×570% Robert Fico ×480% Slovakia ×790% Ukraine ×1090%

Keywords

ukraine 90% slovakia 90% russian oil 80% emergency power supplies 70% druzhba pipeline 70% robert fico 60% energy grid 50% political decision 40% eu membership 40%