Bratislava: Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has asserted that his government’s diplomatic efforts are influencing Ukraine’s stance on gas transit, following Kyiv’s decision to halt the transportation of Russian natural gas through its territory.
Ukraine had previously declined to extend its transit contract with Russia, citing security concerns for itself and European consumers.
Fico, a vocal critic of this move, has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of worsening Slovakia’s energy crisis and acting against EU interests. In response, Zelensky has labeled Fico as being aligned with Moscow.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, Fico claimed that Slovakia’s persistent pressure on Ukraine is showing results. He highlighted that Kyiv is now indicating a willingness to allow the transit of Azerbaijani gas through its pipelines. While Ukrainian officials have suggested the possibility of allowing third-party nations to use their existing gas infrastructure, Fico reiterated his preference for restoring Russian gas transit.
A planned meeting between Fico, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen was canceled on Thursday due to airspace disruptions in Belgium, caused by a malfunction in the country's air traffic control system. Fico is set to meet with Jorgensen on Monday after an informal summit in Brussels.
Despite the EU’s goal of phasing out Russian gas supplies by 2027, Fico noted that his stance is gaining traction in some Western circles. He pointed to a recent Financial Times report suggesting that certain EU officials believe reintroducing affordable Russian pipeline gas could help reduce energy prices.
However, the idea has sparked fierce opposition within the bloc, with critics calling it "madness" and "a foolish consideration.".
