Slovakia’s Prime Minister, Robert Fico, has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of being responsible for what he described as a looming “gas crisis” in Slovakia. Speaking at a press conference in Bratislava on 20 December, Fico expressed concern about Ukraine’s refusal to extend the transit agreement for Russian gas beyond the end of 2024.
The remarks, first reported by Reuters, come after discussions at the recent European Union summit where Fico raised the issue of Russian gas transit through Ukraine. The Prime Minister claimed, “We are clearly facing a gas crisis thanks to President Zelenskyy,” without elaborating further on his statement.
Slovakia’s Energy Concerns
Fico warned that Slovakia might need to consider “countermeasures” should the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine cease entirely. This statement follows reports of a conversation between Fico and Zelenskyy earlier this week, during which they discussed the transit issue. According to Slovak media, Fico asked Zelenskyy whether Ukraine would be willing to facilitate the transit of gas from non-Russian sources. Zelensky reportedly rejected this, stating Ukraine would not transport any gas through its pipelines, regardless of origin.
The Slovak leader described Zelenskyy’s stance during their conversation: “He [Zelenskyy] asked whether we could imagine paying for gas that finances the war.”
European Implications
Fico also discussed the matter with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during the summit. He cautioned that if Kyiv halts gas transit, it could lead to increased energy costs across Europe. Slovakia is heavily dependent on Russian gas supplies, and disruptions to transit could exacerbate energy challenges in the region.
The transit of Russian gas through Ukraine has been a critical component of European energy security, but Kyiv’s firm stance signals a broader shift in its policies. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal reiterated this week that Kyiv would not extend its agreement with Russia’s state-owned energy company Gazprom. However, he noted that Ukraine remains open to facilitating gas transit for non-Russian sources.
Kyiv’s Position
President Zelenskyy has repeatedly emphasised Ukraine’s commitment to cutting financial ties with Russia. Speaking earlier this week, he confirmed that Ukraine would not resume agreements with Gazprom and would also oppose any attempts to transport Russian gas disguised as originating from Azerbaijan or other countries.
Zelenskyy’s administration argues that Russian gas revenues directly fund Moscow’s military activities in Ukraine. By ending the transit of Russian gas, Kyiv aims to reduce Europe’s dependence on Russian energy and align with its broader strategy to isolate Moscow economically.
A Growing Divide
Fico’s remarks highlight a growing rift between Slovakia and Ukraine over energy policy. While Slovakia has traditionally relied on Russian gas and sees its transit as critical to domestic and regional stability, Ukraine views the transit as a geopolitical issue tied to its war with Russia.
The Slovak Prime Minister’s comments may also reflect broader challenges within the European Union regarding energy policy coordination and the bloc’s dependence on Russian energy. The EU has sought to diversify its energy sources, but transitions have proven complex for countries like Slovakia, which remain heavily reliant on established infrastructure and supply routes.
Practical Implications
The disagreement between Kyiv and Bratislava highlights the tangled web of European energy politics, especially as the war in Ukraine continues. With the Gazprom transit agreement set to expire at the end of the year, Slovakia and other nations reliant on Russian gas must act quickly to secure alternative energy supplies.
Ukraine, on the other hand, is focused on cutting off Moscow’s revenue streams by halting gas transit, even if it complicates relationships with its neighbours. This standoff is more than a regional issue—it’s a signal of how European energy strategies will evolve in 2025 and beyond, as countries juggle immediate supply demands with the broader goal of reducing reliance on Russian energy and ensuring long-term stability.
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