Putin Opens Second “Energy Front” Against Ukraine

Ukraine Warns of Power Supply Threat from Slovakia Amid Russian Attacks

In a concerning development, Ukraine has cautioned that Slovakia might halt emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine this winter, potentially exacerbating the energy crisis caused by Russia‘s invasion. President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his concern, stating that Slovakia could be aiding Russia’s attempt to pressure Ukraine.

Zelensky reminded that Ukraine’s reliance on energy imports is solely due to Russia’s occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and destruction of Ukraine’s thermal and hydroelectric power infrastructure by Russian missiles and drones. Despite these challenges, Ukraine’s energy sector workers, alongside international partners, have averted a complete blackout.

However, President Zelensky criticized Slovakia’s potential move, describing it as "absolutely amoral" support for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. He referenced the ongoing transit of Russian gas through Ukraine to Europe, which Kiev has decided to stop by the end of this year, as per a deal signed before Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico reacted strongly to Zelensky’s decision to halt Russian gas transit, expressing concern over financial losses and increased gas prices for Slovakia. Fico, who recently visited Moscow and met with President Putin, had previously hinted at considering reciprocal measures against Ukraine, such as stopping emergency power supplies, if Kiev follows through on its plans to halt gas transit.