Ukraine: Slovak power cut would not disrupt electricity network

The Ukrainian company Ukrenerho said that any suspension of emergency electricity supplies from Slovakia would not have a significant impact on the country’s energy system.

The statement came in response to remarks by Prime Minister Robert Fico that Slovakia would refuse further requests from Kyiv for emergency assistance until the flow of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline is restored. The pipeline has been out of operation since the end of January following a Russian drone strike in western Ukraine.

According to Ukrenerho, emergency support from Slovakia has been exceptional and limited in volume. At the same time, the dispute over the pipeline is heightening tensions between Kyiv, Bratislava and Budapest.

Ukraine has announced that the resumption of oil supplies will be postponed until 25 February.

Slovakia and Hungary claim that Ukraine is responsible for the delays, while European ministers have so far been unable to resolve the matter through diplomatic channels.

(reuters, pir)