Slovak PM Fico Demands Russian Gas Transit Resumption, Threatens Aid Cuts to Ukraine

During a visit to Brussels, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico called on Ukraine to restore the transit of Russian gas through its territory. He proposed a technical workaround where a Slovak subsidiary would purchase gas at the Russia-Ukraine border, reclassifying it as Slovak-owned gas for transit through Ukraine, according to Ukrainian media outlet Radio Liberty on January 9.

Fico accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of “political whims” that led to the halt in gas transit.

He claimed Slovakia stands to lose $515 million (€500 million) annually in transit fees and warned of “catastrophic consequences for the entire EU,” citing potential economic instability due to rising energy costs.

The Slovak leader also threatened to cut humanitarian aid to Ukraine, including recently approved infrastructure support and equipment, and hinted at reducing or eliminating benefits for the approximately 130,000 Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia.

Additionally, he suggested Slovakia could limit electricity exports to Ukraine, asserting it is the only country capable of delivering power within 30 minutes.

Fico further implied a political retaliation, stating he might veto EU decisions requiring unanimity on Ukraine.

Earlier, Poland expressed its readiness to increase electricity exports to Ukraine amid Fico’s recent threats to halt reserve electricity supplies to Ukraine.