Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on Saturday warned of halting emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine if the oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline to Slovakia are not restored.
"If oil supplies to Slovakia are not restored on Monday, I will ask SEPS to stop emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine. In January 2026 alone, these emergency supplies needed to stabilize the Ukrainian energy grid were twice as high as for the whole of 2025," he posted on social media. SEPS is the Slovak state transmission system operator.
Fico also accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of acting maliciously towards Slovakia because Slovakia does not "support the war."
He added that the halt of gas flows to Slovakia had caused an annual damage of 500 million euros since January 1, 2025, and there was further damage and logistical difficulties since the oil flows halted.
Oil supplies to Slovakia and Hungary were suspended following an attack on the Druzhba pipeline on January 27, Ukrainian officials said. Slovakia has declared an oil emergency.
On February 18, after a cabinet session, Fico accused Zelensky of political blackmail and interfering in the election campaign in Hungary, the News Agency of the Slovak Republic reported.
Slovakia may stop power supply unless Ukraine restores oil transmission
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya described the current state of bilateral relations with China as entering a "stronger chapter" grounded in mutual respect, commitment and trust.
In an interview with China Media Group (CMG) aired on Friday, Amarasuriya emphasized the enduring friendship between the two countries and expressed confidence that the relationship is poised for even greater stability.
"We've had a long standing relationship. And this is a new chapter. And I think a stronger chapter, because I only see the relationship getting stronger, becoming stronger, because the thinking process is aligned, the vision is more aligned, and the strategies are more aligned. So, this relationship, I am confident, will continue to be an example of what a good, strong bilateral relationship [is] -- one that is based on mutual respect and commitment and trust, and what it can deliver for both countries," she said.
Her remarks build on assurances made during her October 2025 visit to Beijing, when President Xi Jinping underscored the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and pledged support for Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and independence. At that time, both sides highlighted the relationship as a model of friendly ties and mutually beneficial cooperation, with Sri Lanka reaffirming its adherence to the one-China principle.
While the earlier discussions centered on Belt and Road projects and China’s global initiatives, Amarasuriya’s latest comments mark a shift toward strategic alignment, stressing shared vision and coordinated pathways.
Sri Lanka PM highlights stronger chapter in China ties built on trust, shared vision
