On 22 December 2024, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico paid a visit to Moscow, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Despite his reluctance to elaborate on the discussions, Fico said on Wednesday that he had agreed on uninterrupted gas supplies to Slovakia, Reuters reported.
“I had to provide at least gas for domestic consumption in Slovakia – and I did it without raising the price,” Fico said in a video message posted on Facebook.
Criticism of Ukraine
Fico also accused Ukraine of causing the energy crisis in Slovakia, as Kyiv did not extend the transit contract for Russian gas, which expired at the end of 2024.
“It has been proven that we are facing a gas crisis because of President Zelenskyy,” Fico said at the EU summit in December.
The prime minister threatened to cut off electricity supplies to Ukraine and cut aid to Ukrainian refugees.
Russian gas through Hungary
Slovakia continues to receive gas through Hungary, which supplies fuel through the Turkish Stream pipeline connecting Russia and Turkey, and then the gas is delivered to EU countries.
According to Fico, the stoppage of transit through Ukraine cost Slovakia 500 million euros in losses in transit fees and another 1 billion euros in overpayments due to higher prices for alternative gas sources.
Negotiations in Brussels
Fico plans to meet with representatives of the European Commission in Brussels to discuss the consequences of the gas crisis and compensate for economic losses.
This visit demonstrates the growing tension between Slovakia, Ukraine and the EU in the context of energy policy. Analysts believe that Fico’s position may affect the European course in relations with Russia.
