Slovakia's Fico Warns Kyiv with Energy Ultimatum

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico warns Ukraine to restore Russian oil flow via the Druzhba pipeline within two days or face losing emergency electricity supplies. Slovakia relies on this oil and supplies electricity to Ukraine. Alternative routes for oil transportation are proposed by Ukraine amid ongoing energy infrastructure challenges.

In a tense energy confrontation, Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico issued an ultimatum to Ukraine, demanding the resumption of Russian oil flow via the Druzhba pipeline within two days. Otherwise, Slovakia will cease providing emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine, Fico warned on Saturday.

Both Slovakia and Hungary remain heavily dependent on Russian oil transported through this Soviet-era pipeline, which has been disrupted since January 27 following alleged drone strikes on Ukrainian territory. Western Kyiv's assertions, however, present a Russian attack as the cause, intensifying regional energy politics.

In response, Ukraine has suggested alternative routes for oil transit to Europe, leveraging its oil transportation systems or maritime pathways. The ongoing crisis underscores the challenging geopolitical landscape, as Russia's continuous strikes strain Ukraine's energy infrastructure, affecting millions of citizens enduring harsh winter conditions.

(With inputs from agencies.)