- Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico threatens to cut electricity supplies to Ukraine if Kyiv halts the transit of Russian gas through its territory.
- Slovakian energy is heavily dependent on supplies of Russian natural gas running through Soviet-era pipelines in Ukraine.
- Slovakia could be forced to spend 220 million euros more in additional transit costs if Ukraine halts the flow of gas and alternative arrangements are needed.
- Ukraine plans to end the transit of Russian gas through its territory in 2025, but this move could cost billions in damages to Europe and exacerbate the current energy crisis.
- Ukraine is preparing to further halt Russian oil transport through its territory to Slovakia if Bratislava decides to retaliate.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has issued a threat to cut electricity supplies to Ukraine if Kyiv disrupts the transit of Russian gas through its territory.
This comes after Ukraine announced that it will no longer allow Russian gas to be transited to Europe through its territory beginning Jan. 1, 2025, following the end of the current contract Kyiv has with Moscow regarding energy transportation, which expired on Dec. 31.
Slovakia is heavily dependent on Russian natural gas, which it receives through Soviet-era pipelines that run through Ukraine. This dependency has led to a critical situation, and Fico is not backing down from his stance.
This January, Slovakia is reportedly going to assess the situation and may take reciprocal economic measures against Ukraine, including potentially stopping electricity supplies from reaching Kyiv through its territory. (Related: Slovakia’s PM reveals NATO, EU states still considering sending troops to Ukraine.)
"Stopping the transit of Russian natural gas through Ukraine is not just a hollow political gesture. It's an extremely costly move, one that we, in the European Union, will pay for," Fico said.
Fico's warning comes with reports indicating that terminating the transit deal with Moscow will cost the EU billions of euros in damages, further eroding the bloc's international competitiveness.
It's about the ECONOMY for Slovakia
For Slovakia, this issue is more than just about Russian gas; it’s about its economy. The country will have to find a way to obtain gas from alternative sources, which could prove to be very expensive. Slovakia estimates that switching to alternative arrangements could cost an additional €220 million ($228 million) in transit fees.
The situation is further complicated by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Since Russia stepped up its missile and drone attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure this year, the country has been struggling with power outages and a significant reduction in generating capacity. Ukraine relies heavily on imports, including electricity from Slovakia.
Fico's recent trip to Moscow to discuss gas supplies has not gone unnoticed. Ukrainian officials have accused Fico of taking a "pro-Russian" stance, arguing that it damages the EU's reputation and undermines the bloc's resolve to support Ukraine. Zelensky's government has criticized Fico for what they see as a betrayal of the EU’s values and unity.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has also weighed in, saying that Ukraine’s decision to end gas transit to Europe is "punishing" the continent. However, Putin insists that Russia has always provided energy supplies to Europe and has never refused to do so.
In response to Slovakia’s threats, Ukraine is considering a counter-move. A person familiar with the matter, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that Ukraine is considering halting the transport of Russian oil to Slovakia if Bratislava cuts electricity supplies. This move would not only target Slovakia but could also have wider implications for the energy sector in the region.
Watch this video featuring Prime Minister Robert Fico discussing the probability of the conflict in Ukraine ending very soon.
This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.
More related stories:
Russia attacks Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in major retaliatory strike.
Gazprom CEO says EU is committing "energy suicide" by boycotting cheap Russian gas.
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