Slovakia Threatens Ukraine Power Cut: Energy Crisis Explained

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has issued a stark ultimatum to Ukraine: resume Russian oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline by Monday or face the complete cutoff of emergency electricity supplies. This escalating energy crisis threatens to plunge war-torn Ukraine into deeper darkness during its harshest winter since Russia's invasion began, with nearly 20% of Ukraine's electricity imports coming from Slovakia. The dispute centers on the Druzhba pipeline attack that occurred on January 27, 2026, which has halted Russian oil shipments to Slovakia and Hungary for nearly a month.

What is the Druzhba Pipeline Crisis?

The Druzhba pipeline, also known as the Friendship Pipeline, is one of the world's longest oil pipelines stretching over 4,000 kilometers from Russia through Ukraine to several European countries. Since its construction in 1964, it has been a critical energy artery for Eastern Europe. The current crisis began when a Russian drone attack damaged the pipeline in late January, disrupting oil flows to Slovakia and Hungary - the last two EU member states still dependent on Russian crude oil imports.

Slovakia and Hungary have accused Ukraine of deliberately delaying repairs for political leverage, while Ukraine maintains that Russian attacks caused the damage and repair works are ongoing. "If Ukraine doesn't resume oil supplies by Monday, Slovakia will stop emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine," Prime Minister Fico declared in a televised statement on February 21, 2026.

Why This Threat Matters for Ukraine

Ukraine's Energy Crisis

Ukraine is already facing its most severe energy crisis since the war began. Russian forces have systematically targeted energy infrastructure throughout the winter of 2025-2026, with Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal stating there is "not a single power plant left in Ukraine that the enemy has not attacked." Temperatures have plummeted to -20°C (-4°F) in Kyiv, with millions experiencing daily power outages lasting up to 17 hours.

The potential loss of Slovakian electricity imports would be devastating:

• Slovakia provides approximately 17-20% of Ukraine's electricity imports
• Hungary supplies about 45% of Ukraine's electricity imports
• Both countries have already halted diesel exports to Ukraine this week
• Ukraine needs to import at least 50% of its electricity consumption

EU Financial Blockade

Hungary has escalated the crisis by announcing it will block a planned €90 billion ($106 billion) EU loan to Ukraine until oil flows resume. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó accused Ukraine of "blackmailing" Hungary through the pipeline disruption. This financial blockade comes at a critical moment as Ukraine struggles to maintain its economy and military operations against Russian forces.

The Geopolitical Energy Standoff

The Druzhba pipeline dispute represents a complex three-way energy conflict involving Russia, Ukraine, and EU member states. Slovakia and Hungary maintain EU exemptions to continue importing Russian oil despite broader sanctions, creating a dependency that Russia has exploited throughout the conflict.

Ukraine has proposed alternative transit routes while repairs continue, including maritime options, but Slovakia and Hungary insist on immediate restoration of pipeline flows. The European Commission is now considering emergency measures to resolve the crisis, potentially convening an emergency coordination group to discuss alternative supply routes.

Comparison: Energy Dependencies in the Region

Humanitarian Impact and Winter Crisis

The timing of this energy standoff could not be worse for Ukrainian civilians. The United Nations has warned that Russian attacks on energy infrastructure disproportionately affect vulnerable populations including the elderly, disabled individuals, and children. With fuel reserves for just 20 days and electricity generation capacity severely damaged, Ukraine faces a potential humanitarian catastrophe if Slovakian and Hungarian electricity supplies are cut.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has stated the capital has only about half the electricity needed for its 3.6 million residents. Recent attacks on Kharkiv left 400,000 people without power. The Ukrainian energy infrastructure attacks have created what experts describe as the most severe energy crisis in Europe since World War II.

What Happens Next?

The Monday deadline set by Prime Minister Fico creates immediate pressure for resolution. Several potential outcomes could emerge:

1. Diplomatic breakthrough: EU mediation leads to temporary alternative arrangements while repairs continue
2. Escalation: Slovakia cuts electricity, Hungary blocks EU loan, deepening Ukraine's crisis
3. Technical solution: Accelerated repairs restore partial pipeline flows
4. International intervention: Other EU countries provide emergency energy support to Ukraine

Energy experts warn that cutting electricity supplies would violate European energy market rules and damage international relations. However, with both Slovakia and Hungary facing domestic pressure over energy security, the standoff represents a critical test of European solidarity and energy policy coordination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Druzhba pipeline?

The Druzhba pipeline is one of the world's longest oil pipelines, stretching over 4,000 kilometers from Russia through Ukraine to several European countries. It has operated since 1964 and is critical for supplying Russian oil to Slovakia and Hungary.

Why is Slovakia threatening to cut electricity to Ukraine?

Slovakia is using electricity exports as leverage to pressure Ukraine into resuming Russian oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline, which have been halted since a January 27 attack damaged the infrastructure.

How much electricity does Ukraine import from Slovakia?

Slovakia provides approximately 17-20% of Ukraine's electricity imports, making it a critical energy source during Ukraine's severe energy crisis caused by Russian attacks on power infrastructure.

What is Hungary's position in this crisis?

Hungary has threatened to block a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine until oil flows resume and has already halted diesel exports. Hungary supplies about 45% of Ukraine's electricity imports.

When is Slovakia's deadline for Ukraine?

Prime Minister Robert Fico has given Ukraine until Monday (February 24, 2026) to resume oil supplies or face cessation of emergency electricity exports.

Sources

Reuters: Slovakia threatens to stop electricity to Ukraine
Politico: Fico threatens Ukraine power cut
ABC News: Hungary and Slovakia threaten Ukraine
Al Jazeera: Ukraine energy crisis