Slovakia has implemented emergency measures to release strategic oil reserves for its state refiner, Slovnaft, following a halt in Russian crude supplies via the Druzhba pipeline. This disruption, which also affects Hungary's MOL, began on 27 January after what Ukraine described as a Russian aerial attack on pipeline facilities in Ukraine. Despite a 2022 European Commission agreement allowing these landlocked nations to continue importing Russian oil via this route, the flow has stopped.

Emergency Measures and Stockpile Release

The Slovak government approved the loan of 250,000 tonnes (1.83 million barrels) of stockpiled crude to Slovnaft, with the volumes available for use until 30 September. Similarly, MOL, which holds a controlling stake in Slovnaft, has requested the Hungarian government to release an equivalent amount—250,000 tonnes—from its own strategic reserves.

Political Accusations and Retaliatory Actions

Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico and Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of politically motivated blackmail, claiming the decision not to restart the Druzhba pipeline was deliberate despite repaired damage. Fico called for a European Commission monitoring mission and threatened to consider restricting electricity exports to Ukraine. Szijjarto asserted Hungary would ensure domestic fuel supply and halt diesel deliveries to Ukraine until oil flows resume. Slovakia has also stopped diesel supplies to Ukraine.

Ukraine's Response and Broader Context

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi dismissed the accusations, stating Ukraine maintains constant dialogue with the European Commission and the concerned countries. He countered that Hungary and Slovakia are themselves blackmailing Ukraine to maintain Russian oil supplies, contrary to EU policy aiming to ban Russian energy imports. This dispute occurs against a backdrop of significant damage to Ukraine's energy infrastructure, with Russian attacks having destroyed around 8.5 gigawatts of power generation capacity, primarily gas-fired plants, as of January.