President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy Photo: Press service of the President of Ukraine
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s threats to cut off electricity supplies to Ukraine could result in Bratislava losing at least $200 million annually that Ukraine pays for imports. This was emphasised by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his Telegram message, Time Ukraine Israel reports.
Ukraine has started importing electricity due to the loss of Zaporizhzhya NPP and Russia’s targeted attacks on thermal and hydro generation. Slovakia, which is part of the European energy market, provides about 19% of these imports.
Zelenskyy stressed that Fico’s statements violated European rules.
“Slovakia is part of the single energy market, and Prime Minister Fico must respect these rules. His short-sighted policy has already cost Slovakia the loss of compensation for Russian gas transit, and now it may deprive it of another $200 million annually,” the President noted.
“Second energy front”
Zelenskyy viewed Bratislava’s threats as an attempt to create a “second energy front” against Ukraine. He also reminded that cooperation with neighbours and the EU to increase energy supplies, including American gas, is beneficial for all parties.
“Any arbitrary decisions of Bratislava or orders from Moscow to Fico will not stop the import of electricity to Ukraine, but will definitely distance Slovakia from the European community,” Zelenskyy stressed.
Background to the conflict
Earlier, Robert Fico said that Slovakia could take measures in response to Ukraine’s decision to stop transiting Russian gas from 1 January 2025. Among the possible actions, he mentioned the termination of electricity supplies to Ukraine.
The Ukrainian side considers such statements to be short-sighted and could have negative consequences for Slovakia itself, particularly in its relations with the EU.
The Ukrainian government continues to work with its European partners to ensure stable energy supplies to avoid risks during the winter.
