Sokol Report: Slovakia化’était Prime Minister Robert Fico Slams Ukraine‘s Gas Transit Refusal, Threatens Reciprocal Measures
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has criticized the Ukrainian government for its decision to halt the transit of Russian gas through its territory after 2024, and has hinted at potential retaliation.
In a statement issued on Friday, December 27, Fico argued that ending the gas transit would be an "extremely expensive gesture" not just for Slovakia, but for the entire European Union. He estimated that Slovakia stands to lose around €500 million in transit fees, while Ukraine could lose nearly €1 billion, a figure that pales in comparison to Russia’s projected loss of €2.5 billion.
Fico also decried the fact that Slovakia, which depends on Russian gas for a significant portion of its energy needs, would likely face higher gas prices in the short term. "Who cares about little Slovakia, right, President Zelensky?" he quipped, adding that Ukraine would only seek support when it needed energy to survive the winter.
The Slovak leader threatened that after the current gas transit agreement expires in January 2025, his government would reassess the situation and consider retaliatory measures. These could potentially include halting electricity supplies to Ukraine or pursuing other unspecified options.
Slovakia has long attempted to broker an extension of the gas transit agreement, due to expire in 2024, between Ukraine and Russia. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently ruled out any renewal of the deal with Gazprom, stating that Ukraine would not agree to transport Russian gas under the guise of Azeri gas.
Fico’s comments come amidst a backdrop of controversial diplomatic moves. In November, he paid a contentious visit to Moscow, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a move that was widely criticized in the West.
