Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on 22 October 2024.Photo: Bernadett Szabo/Reuters
Slovakia may stop supplying emergency electricity to Ukraine after 1 January if Kyiv fulfils its intention to stop the transit of Russian gas through Ukrainian territory. Prime Minister Robert Fico said this in a video message, Reuters reports.
The crisis around gas transit
Ukraine announced that from 1 January it will no longer allow Russian gas to transit through its territory. Slovakia, which depends on this route, tried to extend supplies until 2025, but Kyiv refused to extend the agreement with Moscow, which expires this year.
Robert Fico noted that alternative routes would significantly increase costs for Slovakia, causing losses of €500 million and worsening its position as a transit country.
Slovakia’s position
“After 1 January, we will assess the situation and possible reciprocal measures against Ukraine,” Fico said. Among such measures, he mentioned cutting off the supply of electricity needed by Ukraine during energy crises or developing other appropriate actions.
Guarantees of gas supply
Fico stressed that Slovakia will not be left without gas even if transit through Ukraine is stopped. The national supplier SPP has signed contracts to purchase gas from alternative sources, including BP, ExxonMobil, Shell, Eni and RWE.
Abrupt change in foreign policy
Since returning to power more than a year ago, Robert Fico has radically changed Slovakia’s foreign policy, including cutting off military aid to Ukraine and stepping up cooperation with Russia. Last week, Fico became the third EU leader to visit Moscow since the start of the war, offering Slovakia as a platform for talks between Russia and Ukraine.
Energy cooperation with Ukraine
Despite the escalating rhetoric, Slovakia remains an important energy partner for Ukraine. In 2024, the country exported 2.4 million megawatt-hours of electricity to Ukraine, which is 152% more than in the same period of the previous year.
Zelensky’s accusations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this week accused Fico of trying to help Vladimir Putin finance the war against Ukraine by supporting Russian gas transit.
The situation is exacerbating tensions between Kyiv and Bratislava, threatening regional energy stability and mutual trust.
