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Poland ready to support Ukraine if Slovakia cuts power amid gas dispute

30 December 2024 11:59

Poland is prepared to increase its electricity exports to Ukraine if Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico follows through on his threat to cut off backup power supplies to the war-torn nation, a senior official confirmed on December 29.

The Polish government has pledged to boost domestic power production to help offset any shortages Ukraine might face in the event of Slovakia's decision, according to the official, who requested anonymity due to the private nature of the talks, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The announcement from Warsaw comes as tensions rise over the future of gas transit through Ukraine. Fico made his threat two days ago, stating that Slovakia would halt electricity supplies to Ukraine if necessary, particularly during network outages. Despite almost three years of war in Ukraine, Slovakia still relies on inexpensive gas from Gazprom PJSC, which complicates the European Union’s efforts to reduce dependency on Russian energy.

With the Russian gas flow through Ukraine to Europe set to end on December 31 when the current agreement expires, the situation is becoming more urgent. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly stated he will not allow gas transit that benefits Russia’s war efforts. However, he has indicated willingness to facilitate gas transport from countries other than Russia if requested by the European Commission.

The European Commission, which previously played a role in brokering gas transit deals between Kyiv and Moscow, has chosen to stay out of the current negotiations. It has instead emphasized that alternative sources are available and that gas storage levels in the region remain high.

Although the EU aims to eliminate fossil fuel imports from Russia by 2027, gas has not been included in the sanctions imposed on Russia since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. As a result, companies are still allowed to conclude contracts and continue imports in compliance with existing EU regulations.

Energy analysts have noted that even if an agreement is reached to continue gas transit via Ukraine, it is likely to be temporary, as the European Commission plans to unveil a strategy in February to phase out energy imports from Russia.

Russia has intensified its missile and drone strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure since March, destroying about half of its power-generating capacity and causing widespread blackouts. As a result, Ukraine heavily relies on energy imports, including from Slovakia.

In response, Slovakia continues to receive Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline through Ukraine. If Slovakia proceeds with cutting off electricity exports, Ukraine could consider halting these oil supplies as a countermeasure, according to a separate source familiar with the situation.

By Vafa Guliyeva

Caliber.Az
Views: 380

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