Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has proposed holding talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to address the recent halt in gas transit through Ukraine.
In an open letter shared on social media, Fico invited Zelensky on Monday to meet in person at a location near the Slovak-Ukrainian border, ideally as soon as possible. According to Xinhua news agency, Fico stated that the meeting would help establish a platform for an open discussion regarding gas supplies to Slovakia and other countries via Ukraine. The talks would also explore possible technical solutions following the expiration of the contract between Ukrainian and Russian companies on December 31, 2024.
Fico emphasized that Zelensky’s decision not to renew the contract and the subsequent suspension of gas transit to Slovakia on January 1, 2025, not only strained relations between the two countries but also negatively impacted the competitiveness of the European Union, which Ukraine hopes to join. Fico added that this view is shared by others across Europe.
In response to Ukraine’s refusal to extend the gas transit contract, Fico has threatened to cut electricity supplies to Ukraine and limit support for Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia. He warned that Slovakia stands to lose approximately 500 million euros ($510 million) in gas transit fees, which it previously earned by transporting Russian gas through Ukraine to other European nations. The suspension of transit is also expected to push up gas prices and worsen supply shortages.
Fico also visited Moscow at the end of last year, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. On Sunday, Fico reassured local media that Russia would honor its commitment to deliver natural gas to Slovakia in the coming months.
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