Slovakia’s Prime Minister, Robert Fico, confidently announced that his government has secured a stable supply of Russian gas, ensuring the country’s domestic energy needs are met despite Ukraine halting gas transit at the start of 2025.
“I needed to secure at a minimum gas for Slovakia’s domestic consumption – which we have secured,” Fico declared in a Facebook video on January 8. This assurance follows a December meeting between Fico and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
Although Fico didn’t reveal specific details of the agreement, he emphasized that his priority was protecting Slovak households and businesses from energy shortages. Requests for further clarification from his office have gone unanswered.
Fico has been vocal in criticizing Kyiv for not extending the gas transit deal, which expired at the end of 2024. The Slovak leader accused Ukraine of harming his country’s economy, claiming the decision has cost Slovakia €500 million in lost transit fees and €1 billion in higher gas prices. In response, Fico has hinted at scaling back electricity supplies to Ukraine and reducing support for Ukrainian refugees.
Interestingly, Slovakia has managed to continue receiving Russian gas through Hungary, which routes supplies via the TurkStream pipeline running from Turkey into Europe. This workaround has helped maintain gas flow despite the end of direct transit through Ukraine.
The halt in Ukrainian gas transit is part of Kyiv’s broader effort to deny Moscow crucial revenue, a move it vows to maintain as long as Russia continues its military aggression. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Fico of aligning with Russian interests, claiming the Slovak leader has opened a “second energy front” against Ukraine.
Fico dismissed such accusations, framing his actions as necessary to protect Slovakia’s national interests. With Slovakia heavily reliant on Russian gas, his government faces a balancing act between domestic stability and international criticism.
Fico is scheduled to meet with European Commission officials in Brussels on January 9 to discuss the ongoing gas transit crisis. The talks could further test Slovakia’s relationship with the EU and neighboring countries as tensions over energy policy and Russia’s influence continue to simmer.
In the face of mounting criticism, Fico remains steadfast, focusing on securing energy for Slovakia and standing firm against what he views as Ukraine’s economically damaging decisions. For Fico, ensuring gas for his country is a non-negotiable priority, regardless of the geopolitical fallout.
