Story perspectives

Slovakia Threatens Ukraine with Power Cut Over Oil Dispute

2/22/2026

Center

Fico Threatens Ukraine

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico threatened to cut electricity to Ukraine if Druzhba oil shipments do not resume within two days.
The Druzhba pipeline has been inactive since a January 27 drone strike.
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Hungary will veto a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine unless oil flows.
Ukraine has proposed alternative oil routes as it faces intensified missile attacks, including strikes in Kyiv and Lviv.

Right

Zelensky Rejects Compromise

In Geneva, Ukraine and Russia held US-mediated talks but failed to reach a compromise on territorial disputes.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine will not accept a deal without security guarantees.
Ceasefire monitoring progressed, but key issues about occupied territories remained unresolved.
Russia's delegation led by Vladimir Medinsky described the discussions as difficult but business-like.
Russia faces economic challenges as oil revenues plummet amid ongoing military operations and territorial gains.

History

Historical Context

The Druzhba oil pipeline, operational since 1964, supplies around 20% of Germany's oil and is crucial for Slovakia and Hungary. Tensions over energy supplies have escalated since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, with Slovakia threatening to cut electricity to Ukraine amid ongoing missile attacks. This situation underscores the fragility of energy security in Eastern Europe and the potential for further regional conflict.

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Fico Threatens Ukraine

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico threatened to cut electricity to Ukraine if Druzhba oil shipments do not resume within two days.
The Druzhba pipeline has been inactive since a January 27 drone strike.
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Hungary will veto a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine unless oil flows.
Ukraine has proposed alternative oil routes as it faces intensified missile attacks, including strikes in Kyiv and Lviv.

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