Ukrainian President Zelensky Rebukes Slovakia’s Threat to Halt Electricity Supply Over Gas Transit Refusal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has strongly reacted to threats by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to halt electricity supplies to Ukraine if it refuses to continue the transit of Russian gas after 2024. Zelensky took to Twitter and addressed the issue, asserting that Ukraine’s need for electricity imports was entirely due to Russia’s occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and deliberate destruction of Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
"Fico’s threats to cut off Ukraine’s emergency electricity supplies this winter, amid Russian strikes, can only be seen as Putin opening a second energy front against Ukraine, at the expense of the Slovak people," Zelensky charged. He further reminded Fico that supporting Russia’s criminal aggression is morally reprehensible.
Zelensky also warned about the economic implications of Fico’s stance, stating that his ‘myopic’ policy has already denied the Slovak people compensation for the loss of Russian gas transit and could cost them an additional $200 million annually, which Ukraine currently pays for imported electricity. Currently, Slovakia accounts for approximately 19% of Ukraine’s electricity imports.
"Slovakia is part of the unified European energy market, and Fico must respect the common European rules," Zelensky emphasized. "Any arbitrary decisions in Bratislava or orders from Moscow won’t stop electricity imports to Ukraine, but they could lead to Slovakia’s disconnect from the European community."
Fico had previously criticized Ukraine’s decision not to extend the gas transit agreement with Russia and hinted at potential retaliatory measures, including halting electricity supplies. Slovakia has repeatedly attempted to broker an extension of the Russia-Ukraine gas transit agreement, which expires in 2024.
Zelensky has maintained Ukraine’s position, stating that it will not renew its agreement with "Gazprom" and will not consent to pumping Russian gas disguised as Azeri gas. Meanwhile, Fico’s controversial visit to Russia to meet with President Vladimir Putin has drawn criticism.
