Ukraine, Slovakia plan joint energy hub to cut Russian dependence

Ukraine has proposed the creation of a joint energy hub with Slovakia for oil and gas supplies, aimed at strengthening regional energy security and providing an alternative to Russian resources.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko made the announcement during a meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, saying, “We can technically synchronise our systems to protect Slovakia from any risks and create a regional energy hub. I hope we will have the opportunity to discuss this,” Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that Kyiv would offer Slovakia alternative energy solutions as early as October, stressing that these initiatives are part of Ukraine’s broader efforts to build constructive and partnership-based relations with EU and NATO countries, particularly Slovakia.

The meeting, held in Košice, Slovakia’s second-largest city, also addressed other areas of cooperation, including the development of the defence industry, post-war reconstruction, agriculture, and education.

During the consultations, Fico expressed Slovakia’s readiness to discuss resuming Russian gas transit through Ukraine and voiced unexpected support for Ukraine’s EU membership, while clarifying that he does not back Ukraine joining NATO.

“The joint negotiations between the governments of Slovakia and Ukraine are yielding good results,” Fico said, highlighting the significance of the consultations for future cooperation.

By Vugar Khalilov