Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico today declared an emergency regarding oil supply, ordering 250,000 tons of oil released from strategic reserves. This decision came after Kyiv announced the Druzhba pipeline, which runs from Russia through Ukraine to Slovakia and Hungary, was shut down due to damage from a Russian attack near Brody, Ukraine.

Citing Slovak intelligence, Fico stated that pipeline repairs were complete, accusing Ukraine of using the supply blockage as "blackmail" against Hungary, which opposes Kyiv's European Union (EU) accession. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban echoed this sentiment on social media, also accusing Ukraine of "blackmail".

The Druzhba oil pipeline. Photo: Siberia.transneft.ru

The Slovak Prime Minister threatened to cease providing emergency electricity to Ukraine, a supply vital for the country following Russian attacks on its power grid.

"If President Volodymyr Zelensky believes this supply is not important, we can decide to withdraw from the electricity supply agreement", Fico said.

Slovakia's ambassador to Ukraine delivered a diplomatic note, demanding Kyiv explain the oil supply cut. Fico also stated he would request the EU's executive body investigate the incident.

Ukraine has yet to comment on these developments.

According to Prime Minister Orban, Hungary and Slovakia proposed that Croatia allow the transport of Russian oil via the Adria pipeline. However, Fico identified two issues with this solution: the Adria pipeline's capacity has not been fully verified, and the cost could be 5 times higher than the Druzhba.

The European Commission announced it is in contact with all parties and prepared to convene a meeting of the emergency oil supply coordination group. However, the Commission emphasized there is no immediate risk, as both Hungary and Slovakia hold emergency oil reserves for at least 90 days.

Location of the Druzhba pipeline (blue). Graphic: Aspenia Online

The EU banned most oil imports from Russia in response to Moscow's military operation in Ukraine. However, Slovakia and Hungary received exemptions from this ban to allow them time to secure alternative supplies.

Oil deliveries to these two nations have faced multiple disruptions due to attacks on the Druzhba pipeline, which traverses Russian territory through Ukraine.

Huyen Le (According to AFP)