Slovakia is considering potential actions against Ukraine, including the possibility of withholding aid, if a resolution is not reached regarding the suspended Russian gas transit through its territory, Prime Minister Robert Fico stated on Thursday following discussions with EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen.
Fico has accused Kyiv of harming Slovakia by failing to renew a gas transit agreement with Russia. He has warned of possible retaliatory measures, such as cutting emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine, and mentioned that the government might also suspend humanitarian aid or exercise its veto power within the European Union concerning Ukraine-related matters.
In a press conference in Brussels, Fico emphasized that while the government aims to avoid escalating tensions, it will consider actions if a solution is not achieved. He pointed out that the cessation of gas transit to Ukraine could result in a loss of 500 million euros ($516 million) in transit fees and an additional 1 billion euros in increased gas prices for Slovakia. Both Slovakia and the European Commission have agreed to establish a working group to evaluate the situation and explore potential EU assistance.
Russian gas exports to Europe through Ukraine ceased on New Year’s Day when a transit contract expired. Kyiv has declined to renegotiate any agreements that would generate revenue for Moscow, which could be utilized to support its military actions in Ukraine. Last year, Slovakia attempted unsuccessfully to extend the transit agreement and explored options for purchasing gas and taking ownership before it was sent to Ukraine for transit.
Fico stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy eliminated the possibility of reaching an agreement during the EU summit in December.
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