Oil deliveries to Slovakia via the “Druzhba” pipeline resumed in the early hours of April 23 after a nearly three-month interruption, which had become one of the most acute episodes of energy and political tension in Europe amid the war in Ukraine. According to the Slovak Ministry of Economy, the intake of crude oil began at around 2 a.m., effectively confirming the restoration of transit through Ukrainian territory.

The disruption, which lasted since late January, was linked to infrastructure damage following strikes that Kyiv attributes to Russia. Ukraine cited the need for repairs as the reason for the halt, while Hungary and Slovakia accused Kyiv of politically delaying the resumption of transit.

The restart of oil flows carries not only energy but also clear political significance. Almost immediately after supplies resumed, Budapest lifted its veto on a key European Union aid package for Ukraine worth approximately €90 billion, which had previously been blocked due to the dispute surrounding the pipeline.

This development highlights how energy issues have effectively become a tool of leverage within broader European politics. The situation underscores the close interconnection between energy security, sanctions policy, and financial support for Kyiv.

By the end of April, Slovakia is expected to receive around 119,000 tons of oil via the restored route, which should help partially stabilize the domestic fuel market.

At the same time, the pipeline remains one of the most politicized pieces of infrastructure in Europe. Despite the European Union’s strategic course toward reducing dependence on Russian energy resources, Slovakia and Hungary continue to rely heavily on Russian oil supplies, leaving them vulnerable to similar disruptions.

As a result, the “Druzhba” pipeline has once again confirmed its role not merely as a transport artery, but as a key element of Europe’s geopolitical architecture, where energy directly influences strategic decision-making.

From an analytical perspective, the current situation demonstrates several key trends:

energy remains a crucial lever of influence in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, where even short-term disruptions can affect decision-making at the level of the European Union.

the crisis has exposed the structural dependence of certain EU countries on Russian energy resources, highlighting the difficulty of rapidly diversifying supply despite political commitments.

the episode has intensified discussions within the EU about reforming decision-making mechanisms, as situations in which one or two countries can block strategic initiatives due to national energy interests continue to draw criticism.

the resumption of supplies does not signify a full resolution of the crisis, as risks of further disruptions persist due to both ongoing hostilities and unresolved political disagreements among Kyiv, Budapest, and Bratislava.

 

CCBS Expert Group

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#SLOVAKIA

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23.04.2026 02:25