Moscow's hand: Slovak opposition attacks PM Fico's threats to Ukraine

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The opposition claims Fico's threat to cut electricity supplies to Ukraine is not only a "moral failure" but also an economic absurdity.

"Robert Fico is once again acting as an extension of Moscow and openly sabotaging Ukraine at a time when the country faces one of the harshest winters and Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure," the party said in a statement.

The party also emphasized that Fico's ultimatum "is not about oil but about bringing shame to Slovakia." Overall, the party called it "not politics, but active state treason."

"We will lose money on electricity, lose trust within the EU, and once again show the world that we are on the wrong side of history. Fico doesn't want to help our neighbors; he wants to harm them," Branislav Gröhling, the party leader, added.

Lawmakers also criticized Fico's threat, pointing out that it is logical nonsense, as without electricity, damaged pipelines cannot be repaired.

"By issuing this ultimatum, the Prime Minister is trapping himself and all of Slovakia. If Ukraine doesn't have electricity to repair its infrastructure, the oil will never flow. Meanwhile, we'll remain here relying on emergency reserves," MP Karol Galek said.

On February 21, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced that he might halt emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine if Russian oil shipments to Slovakia are not restored.

The transit of Russian oil through Ukraine to Slovakia and Hungary was stopped at the end of January after Russia struck the pumping station on the Druzhba pipeline. This forced Ukraine to suspend oil deliveries to refineries in both countries.

Earlier, on February 18, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that Budapest would suspend diesel supplies to Ukraine until the Druzhba pipeline transit is restored. The Slovak government has expressed support for this position.