Slovakia weighs stopping humanitarian aid and electricity to Ukraine over gas transit issue

Slovakia is considering measures against Ukraine, including withholding aid, if a solution is not found to address the halted Russian gas transit through the country, Prime Minister Robert Fico stated on January 9 after discussions with EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen.

Fico has accused Kyiv of damaging Slovakia by not extending a gas transit deal with Russia and has warned that retaliatory actions, such as cutting emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine, are on the table, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

He also mentioned the possibility of halting humanitarian aid or using Slovakia’s veto power in the European Union regarding issues related to Ukraine.

Speaking to reporters in Brussels, Fico emphasized that Slovakia’s government did not want to escalate tensions but would consider these measures if no resolution is reached. "The halt to Ukraine transit will cost Slovakia 500 million euros in transit fees and 1 billion euros in higher gas prices," Fico explained.

In response, Slovakia and the European Commission have agreed to set up a working group to assess the situation and explore potential EU support.

The dispute stems from the expiration of a gas transit contract between Ukraine and Russia on New Year’s Day, with Kyiv refusing to renegotiate a deal that would allow Moscow to earn revenue that could potentially fund its ongoing war against Ukraine. Slovakia had unsuccessfully tried to extend the deal last year and explored alternatives, including purchasing the gas and taking ownership before it reached Ukraine for transit. However, Fico pointed out that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s stance at a December EU summit effectively ended any chance of a new agreement.

Fico sharply criticized Ukraine’s actions and sent a letter to EU leaders, expressing his displeasure. He warned that Slovakia might reduce electricity supplies to Ukraine or cut aid to Ukrainian refugees. "Zelenskyy’s unilateral decision is causing significant financial harm to Slovakia and the EU," Fico said, estimating the losses at 500 million euros in transit fees and 1 billion euros in increased gas prices for Slovakia. "The EU as a whole could lose approximately €70 billion."

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó also condemned Ukraine’s termination of gas transit, calling the move "unacceptable" and arguing that it contradicted Ukraine’s ambitions of joining the European Union.

By Tamilla Hasanova