Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has raised concerns with EU leadership over Ukraine’s decision to cease Russian gas transit through its territory after 2024.
In an open letter addressed to European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Fico criticized the move as “wrong and irrational.”
Fico, who shared the letter on social media, warned that halting gas transit “will lead to tensions and retaliatory measures.” He emphasized that this decision could have widespread negative consequences, stating, “There is no doubt that the unilateral decision of the Ukrainian president will have a significant negative impact on our joint European efforts to keep pace with rapidly developing countries worldwide.”
The Slovak leader questioned the European Commission’s handling of the matter, suggesting either a lack of analysis or an unwillingness to share findings with member states. He pointed to evidence provided by Slovak oil and gas company SPP, which reportedly indicates that halting gas transit would harm the EU more than Russia.
In his letter, Fico urged EU leaders to address the situation urgently, labeling it as “unprecedented.”
Slovakia has consistently advocated for extending the gas transit agreement between Ukraine and Russia, set to expire in 2024. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Kyiv will not renew the agreement with Gazprom, nor allow Russian gas to transit under the guise of Azerbaijani supplies.
