Slovak PM to discuss Russian gas transit with EU officials soon

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has pushed for the resumption of Russian gas transit through Ukraine, will meet with European Commission officials on January 30 to discuss the matter. 

The Kremlin has expressed support for resuming transit through Ukraine, although Ukraine has refused to renew the agreement, citing concerns that it would contribute to funding Russia's war against Kyiv, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

Transit through Ukraine has long been a key route for supplying gas to Slovakia, Austria, and former Soviet republics like Moldova. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized Fico for seeking new gas supplies from Moscow instead of Western nations. Fico met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin last month to discuss gas flows to Slovakia.

Slovakia has welcomed a statement from the European Commission affirming its continued talks with Ukraine about the possible renewal of gas transit and has also indicated that the option of importing gas from Azerbaijan is now back on the table.

Both Slovakia and Hungary have been urging the EU to intervene to restore the gas flow to them via a major pipeline. Hungary has stated that it received assurances from the Commission to protect its energy supply, which it considers a prerequisite for agreeing to renew EU sanctions on Russia. 

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the matter is a commercial issue and stated that Russia "is interested in continuing this commerce."

He added, "We are interested in selling our products, especially since they are not only more competitive compared to American liquefied gas, but they are much more advantageous for European buyers."

US President Donald Trump recently lifted the previous administration's freeze on export permits, a move expected to boost US energy production. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed Trump’s decision on Telegram, calling it "just what is needed for security and stability—more energy resources from our partners for Europe." Zelenskyy pointed out the difference in costs, writing, "Money is needed to pay for US LNG, while for Russian gas one pays with money and with independence and sovereignty." 

He continued, "But not Mr. Fico. He chooses Moscow instead of America and other partners who can provide his country with gas on a commercial basis. And that is his mistake." Zelenskyy and Fico have exchanged sharp words over Fico's efforts to restore Russian gas transit through Ukraine.

Fico has threatened to cut emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine, reduce aid to Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia, or use his veto power on EU decisions concerning Kyiv. In response, Zelenskyy hosted a Slovak opposition leader in Kyiv and lent support to protests against Fico's shift toward Russia.

By Naila Huseynova