TASS reported that Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico expressed his intention to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss the important issue of Russian gas transit through Ukrainian territory to the European Union (EU).
The gas transit contract between Russia and Ukraine expires at the end of 2024, disrupting gas flows to several EU countries such as Austria, Italy and Slovakia. Ukraine has refused to extend the agreement, causing divisions within the EU.
Mr Fico warned that if the transit was not resumed, he would veto EU-wide initiatives to support Ukraine and take unilateral measures against Kiev. The Slovak Prime Minister also stressed that Ukraine's decision was causing great damage not only to Slovakia but also to many other EU countries, as well as to Ukraine itself.
In a letter to President Zelensky, Mr. Fico proposed holding the meeting on Slovakian territory near the border with Ukraine. However, Mr. Zelensky responded briefly on social media, inviting the Slovak Prime Minister to Kiev on January 17.
Slovak National Council Vice President Tibor Gaspar later said that Prime Minister Fico was unlikely to come to Kiev on the proposed date, but the two sides were looking for another date, expected to take place in the next few days.
Prime Minister Fico had previously accused President Zelensky of “undermining the financial interests of Slovakia and the EU”, warning that stopping gas transit would not only push up energy prices but also risk triggering an EU-wide energy crisis, resulting in losses of up to 70 billion euros.
Meanwhile, Mr. Gaspar commented that Ukraine's decision to end gas transit was politically motivated, aimed at pleasing the West. However, this move will not harm Russia but on the contrary, seriously damage the economies of EU member states.
