Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow this weekend to discuss gas supplies to his country, following the expiry of a transit contract between Gazprom and Ukraine’s Naftogaz. The meeting comes as tensions rise over the war in Ukraine and Europe’s efforts to pressure Russia into dropping it.
Fico’s visit is seen as unusual, given the European Union’s stance on direct communication with Russia during this time. The EU considers such meetings unadvisable due to the ongoing conflict. However, Fico sought to reassure Putin that Slovakia would continue to receive Russian gas, which is essential for the country’s energy supply.
Fico stated that Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky had reiterated his country’s stance on not extending the transit deal with Gazprom. The deal expires at the end of this month and could disrupt Slovakia’s long-term gas contract with Gazromp, which relies heavily on Russian pipeline gas.
Slovakia is landlocked and has limited access to alternative gas supply options that can match Russia’s pipeline price. Fico’s meeting with Putin aimed to secure a continued supply of gas, potentially undermining the EU’s efforts to pressure Russia into dropping its support for Ukraine.
The visit follows Fico’s meeting with Zelensky last week, where both leaders discussed possible alternatives to transiting gas through Russian infrastructure. However, Zelensky emphasized that his country would not allow Russian gas to pass through Ukrainian territory if it could help prevent a transit of gas to Slovakia.
As the situation in Ukraine remains volatile, Fico’s decision to meet with Putin has sparked concerns within the EU leadership. The outcome of this meeting will likely have significant implications for Europe’s energy security and the ongoing conflict.
Source: https://oilprice.com/Latest-Energy-News/World-News/Fico-Defies-EU-Meets-Putin-to-Secure-Slovak-Gas-Supply.html