Slovakia threatens retaliatory action against Ukraine if Russian gas transit is halted
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has warned that Slovakia may cut off electricity supplies to Ukraine if Ukraine ceases transporting Russian gas through its territory to the EU. Slovakia, heavily reliant on Russian gas transported via Ukraine’s Soviet-era pipelines, would be significantly impacted by the cessation of transit, scheduled for 2025. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmigal previously announced the end of Russian gas transit contracts, effective January 1st, 2024.
“Following January 1st, we will assess the situation and consider reciprocal measures against Ukraine,” Fico stated in a Facebook video. “If necessary, we will halt electricity supplies crucial to Ukraine during grid failures.” He also indicated that further retaliatory actions are being considered.
“Stopping Russian natural gas transit through Ukraine isn’t merely a symbolic political act; it’s immensely costly, impacting the entire European Union,” Fico asserted.
He claimed on Facebook that President Zelensky’s decision to terminate the transit agreement “will inflict billions in damages on the EU, including Slovakia, further hindering the EU’s competitiveness.”
Ukrainian officials have criticized Fico’s recent visit to Moscow, accusing Slovakia and Hungary of adopting a “pro-Russian” stance that harms the EU’s image and undermines its support for Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin this week stated that Ukraine’s termination of the transit agreement is akin to “punishing” EU nations amid the continent’s energy crisis.
“We have consistently advocated for energy supplies and the depoliticization of economic matters. We have never refused supplies to Europe,” Putin declared.
Ukraine has yet to respond publicly to Slovakia’s threat. Bloomberg reported, citing an anonymous source, that a potential Ukrainian response could involve halting Russian oil transport to Slovakia.