Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is warning Ukraine that if it stops Russian gas transit on January 1, he will take retaliatory measures against the country. This comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that his government would not extend the current contract for Russian gas transit.
Fico fears that ending the transit will drive up costs for the EU and increase energy prices in Slovakia. He has accused Zelenskyy of trying to take advantage of Slovakia’s dependence on discounted Russian gas, earning around half a billion dollars per year from access to this deal.
The Slovakian leader has met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on several occasions, including a surprise visit over the Christmas holidays, and has emerged as an advocate for Russia within the EU. This stance has strained relations between Ukraine and Slovakia, with Zelenskyy criticizing Fico’s support for Putin.
Fico is now threatening to cut off electricity supplies to Ukraine if it stops Russian gas transit, which would have serious implications for Ukrainian energy needs. The European Commission has ruled out supporting negotiations to extend the contract, leaving Slovakia and Hungary to seek alternative solutions.
Source: https://www.politico.eu/article/robert-fico-threaten-cut-ukraine-electricity-supply