Slovakia Cuts Power to Ukraine, Demands Russian Oil Transit Resumes.

Slovakia Halts Electricity Exports to Ukraine

According to Novyny.live: Slovakia has decided to stop supplying electricity to Ukraine, making the resumption of Russian oil transit via the 'Druzhba' pipeline a condition for restoring power. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico confirmed this, stating his country is prepared to discuss the oil supply situation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after February 25, 2023. This move links two separate energy sectors, electricity and oil, in a single political demand.

Fico indicated that Slovakia is ready to lift the electricity restrictions if Ukraine restores the oil transit.

"Given the seriousness of the situation and the declared state of emergency in Slovakia's oil sector, we are forced to immediately take this first responsive measure,"

"From today, if the Ukrainian side approaches Slovakia with a request for help in stabilizing the Ukrainian power grid, it will not receive such assistance."

Regional Energy Tensions Escalate

This step follows earlier threats from Hungary and Slovakia on February 21, 2023, to cut off electricity supplies to Ukraine. Additionally, both Slovakia and Hungary have halted diesel fuel deliveries to Ukraine, highlighting a sharp deterioration in energy relations among neighboring states. These coordinated actions represent a significant challenge to Ukraine's energy security amidst the ongoing conflict.

The suspension of Slovak electricity could have serious consequences for Ukraine's energy stability, as the country already faces difficulties maintaining its power grid. Slovakia's demand to restart the transit of Russian oil via 'Druzhba' underscores the complex interdependencies in the region's energy relationships, which are now exacerbating political tensions. This situation may also influence broader geopolitical dynamics concerning European energy security, testing the unity of the EU's eastern flank.