Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has warned that Slovakia could cut off electricity exports to Ukraine if Kyiv halts the transit of Russian natural gas to Central Europe after January 1. In a video posted on Friday, Fico stated that Slovakia would reassess the situation in the new year and consider “reciprocal measures” against Ukraine, which he said could include stopping the flow of electricity that Ukraine critically needs during power outages.
The warning comes amid rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine over the transit of Russian gas, a vital energy source for Europe. Since Russia intensified missile and drone attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure earlier this year, the country has struggled with widespread power outages. Ukraine relies on energy imports, including electricity from Slovakia, to meet its needs.
Fico stressed the significant economic costs that would result from halting Russian gas flows. He argued that cutting off gas transit would be an expensive move for the European Union, which could face an additional 120 billion euros ($125 billion) in energy expenses over the next two years. Fico contended that stopping the gas transit was not a mere political statement but a costly decision that could have far-reaching consequences for Europe’s economy.
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Robert Fico
1.We will stop electricity supply to UA if we don’t get gas.
2. If someone wants to organize peace negotiations in Slovakia, we will be ready and hospitable.
3. By stopping gas transit, President Zelensky will cause billions of dollars in damage to the EU, including… pic.twitter.com/FjlOgyT6Ta— SlavicFreeSpirit (@SlavFreeSpirit) December 28, 2024
Both Russia and Ukraine have yet to agree on the terms for a deal over gas transit, with the expiration of the current agreement looming at the end of the year. Fico has expressed the desire to maintain gas transit beyond 2024 and has suggested alternative arrangements that would avoid direct negotiations between the two warring nations. Slovakia continues to receive Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline, which also passes through Ukraine, but halting these supplies could be a potential countermeasure by Kyiv if Slovakia proceeds with its threat to cut off electricity exports.
The situation remains volatile as the January 1 deadline approaches, with both Slovakia and Ukraine signaling their readiness to take measures that could further escalate the ongoing energy crisis in the region.
