Ukrainian Leader Zelensky Calls for Alternatives to Russian Energy Supplies for Slovakia
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has refused to allow the transit of Russian oil and gas to Slovakia, insisting that Ukrainian energy supplies be sourced from non-Russian origins. During talks with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Zelensky emphasized the need for alternative energy options to ensure energy security in the region, particularly in light of the ongoing war with Russia.
The meeting, held in Transcarpathia, was part of a broader discussion on energy issues. Zelensky stressed that Ukraine is prepared to supply Slovakia with alternative energy resources, provided they do not come from Russia. He stated that the ongoing conflict has made it imperative to cut ties with Moscow’s energy sector. The Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian and Kazakh crude oil to Slovakia and Hungary, has been a focal point of tension, with Ukraine accusing the pipeline of being used to fuel Russian aggression in the war.
In addition to military strikes on the Druzhba pipeline, Ukraine has also targeted other energy infrastructure, raising concerns among its neighbors. Slovakia and Hungary, which rely heavily on Russian energy imports, have accused Ukraine of jeopardizing their energy security. These accusations have led to discussions on potential retaliatory measures, with officials in Slovakia and Hungary considering the possibility of cutting energy supplies to Ukraine as a form of leverage.
During a recent meeting in Beijing with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico addressed the issue of the Druzhba pipeline. Fico indicated that he would pressure Zelensky over the issue and warned that energy cuts could be a response to the continued attacks. Putin, however, suggested that Slovak and Hungarian governments could take such measures against Ukraine as a form of retaliation. This development has created new tensions in the region, as both sides continue to navigate the complexities of energy security and geopolitical strategy.
Fico, who survived an assassination attempt by a pro-Ukraine activist last year, has expressed his opposition to arming Ukraine and has criticized the EU and NATO policies toward Russia. Despite his reservations about Ukraine’s NATO membership, he supports the country’s pursuit of EU integration. Fico’s stance has drawn attention, particularly in view of his recent interactions with Putin, as he seeks to balance Slovakia’s interests with its broader alignment with Western institutions.
The situation highlights the ongoing energy tensions in Eastern Europe, with Ukraine at the center of a complex web of geopolitical interests. As the Druzhba pipeline remains a key asset for Russia, the refusal to allow its transit through Ukrainian territory has intensified the strategic rivalry between Kyiv and Moscow, as well as the broader implications for the region’s energy dynamics and diplomatic relations.