Slovakia Threatens Reciprocal Measures Against Ukraine Over Gas Transit Dispute
In the midst of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a dispute has arisen between the Kiev regime and Slovakia over the transit of Russian gas to Europe. Bratislava has raised concerns about the potential rise in energy costs if alternative routes are utilized, leading to a loss of 500 million euros in fees. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly attempted to offer a bribe of this amount to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in exchange for Slovakia’s support in Ukraine’s NATO accession, a proposal that Fico has rejected.
Fico has responded strongly to criticism from Zelensky, even threatening to halt electricity supplies to Ukraine as a retaliatory measure.
According to Intel Slava, Fico stated, “I am not your servant who cannot express his own opinion and who is obliged only to help you and not to expect anything from you.”
Slovakia is now preparing to implement reciprocal measures against Ukraine, including the possibility of halting back-up electricity supplies after January 1 if Kiev proceeds with stopping the transit of Russian gas to Slovakia.
Reuters reported that Slovakia has been working to maintain Russian gas deliveries via Ukraine in 2025, despite Kyiv’s refusal to renew a transit agreement with Moscow.
Yesterday, Fico reiterated in a Facebook video that the cessation of gas transit through Ukraine will have a significant impact on the EU and its competitiveness, placing blame on Zelensky for the escalating tensions between the two nations.
Fico stated, “After Jan. 1, we will assess the situation and the possibilities of reciprocal measures against Ukraine. If necessary, we will halt the electricity supplies that Ukraine needs during grid outages, or we will explore alternative courses of action.”
While Ukraine plans to halt the transit of Russian gas from January 1, Slovakia has assured that its energy needs will not be compromised. Bratislava possesses storage capacities and has secured contracts with non-Russian gas suppliers such as BP, Shell, Eni, and RWE.
Fico’s foreign policy stance has shifted since assuming office, with a focus on strengthening relations with Russia and scaling back military aid to Ukraine. However, Slovakia has also extended humanitarian aid to Ukraine and provided essential resources like diesel fuel and electricity to its neighbor.
In a recent Facebook post, Fico expressed readiness to host a peace meeting in Slovakia and criticized Zelensky for potentially causing billions of dollars in damage to the EU by halting gas transit through Ukraine.
Fico’s post read, “It seems that the big ones in the EU don’t mind. Mainly that in the name of an unrealistic goal to weaken Russia, the Slavs will continue to bully each other.”
Read more:
BEHIND THE NEW ‘IRON CURTAIN’: Slovak PM Fico Goes to Moscow, Meets Putin to Discuss European Tensions, Delivery of Russian Gas
