Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has fired back at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s announcement to halt gas transit through Ukraine starting Jan. 1, accusing the move of causing harm to the European Union without consultation.
Fico took to social media to criticize Zelensky’s unilateral decision, saying, “By stopping the gas transit, President Zelensky will cause billions of damage to the EU, including the Slovak Republic.” He also lamented the lack of response from EU leaders, claiming their silence suggests indifference to the consequences.
Fico urged EU representatives in an open letter to prioritize rational support for Ukraine, warning against “self-destructive gestures” that undermine the Union’s competitiveness. He also argued that halting gas transit would hurt the EU more than Russia, despite proposals for alternative solutions being rejected by Kyiv.
Meanwhile, Slovakia’s Defense Minister Robert Kaliniak called for an immediate ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of post-war stability. He expressed doubts that Ukraine could reclaim occupied territories, stating, “The situation on the front doesn’t suggest any significant progress.”
Russia, for its part, continues to increase gas exports to Europe despite sanctions, with Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak noting a rise of nearly 20% this year. Russian natural gas, Novak argued, remains the most cost-effective option for Europe in terms of price and logistics.
Zelensky has insisted that Ukraine will not renew its transit agreement with Russia, set to expire at the year’s end. The move could force Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria to adjust their energy strategies. In response, Fico has hinted at potential countermeasures, including halting electricity supplies to Ukraine starting in 2025.
Tensions between Slovakia and Ukraine have further escalated, with Zelensky accusing Fico of acting under instructions from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky defended Ukraine’s reliance on imported electricity, attributing it to Russia’s occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and the destruction of key infrastructure by Russian forces.
As the war drags on with no clear resolution, Fico warned of Ukraine becoming a pawn in a larger geopolitical game. He previously suggested that Ukraine is being exploited by global powers, a sentiment echoed by his calls for immediate peace talks to end the conflict and secure regional stability.
