Slovakia halts electricity supplies to Ukraine
|
Slovakia has escalated a dispute with Ukraine over oil deliveries by halting emergency electricity supplies to the country suffering from daily blackouts caused by Russia’s bombardment of power plants and transmission lines.
Russian oil shipments to Slovakia and Hungary have been interrupted since January 27 after what Ukrainian officials say were Russian drone attacks that damaged the Druzhba pipeline, which carries Russian crude across Ukrainian territory and into Central Europe.
The two most pro-Russian countries in the European Union blamed Ukraine for deliberately holding back the oil shipments. They received a temporary exemption from an EU policy prohibiting imports of Russian oil.
Populist Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said Monday’s decision was taken after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy declined to discuss the issue with him until after Wednesday.
“Given the seriousness of the situation and the declared state of oil emergency in Slovakia, we are forced to take the first reciprocal measure immediately. It will be lifted immediately after the resumption of oil transit to Slovakia,” Fico said in a statement on X.
“As of today, if the Ukrainian side turns to Slovakia with a request for assistance in stabilising the Ukrainian energy network, it will not receive such assistance,” he said.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called on both countries “to engage in constructive co-operation and responsible behaviour” as he launched an international fundraising campaign to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people who are grappling with power outages in the depths of a freezing winter.
“This assistance is urgently needed. It will go toward purchasing equipment, electricity, power supplies, and all forms of energy directly for Ukrainians and the communities in need,” he said on X.
“A small piece of your warmth will save Ukrainian families and children.”
The Slovak opposition condemned the government’s decision.
Fico threatened to take further measures if the shipments don’t resume, including ending support for Ukraine’s aspiration to become an EU member.
Slovakia and Hungary have challenged Ukraine, claiming the Druzhba pipeline was ready to transport oil, without giving evidence.
“Our intelligence services report that the oil pipeline in Ukraine is functional,” Fico said. “Our ambassador to Kyiv has not yet been allowed to visit the part of the oil pipeline that the Ukrainian side claims is damaged.”
The Slovak leader asserted that stopping oil deliveries was “a purely political decision with the aim of blackmailing Slovakia” because its views of the Russian war against Ukraine differ from Europe’s mainstream.
UN Secretary General António Guterres issued a statement marking the grim anniversary of Russia’s invasion.
“This devastating war is a stain on our collective consciousness and remains a threat to regional and international peace and security,” Guterres said in a statement.
“The longer the war continues, the deadlier it becomes,” he continued. “Civilians bear the brunt of this conflict, with 2025 witnessing the largest number of civilians killed in Ukraine. This is simply unacceptable.”
Guterres further reiterated his call for “an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire as a first step towards a just, lasting and comprehensive peace”.
AP