Russian President Vladimir Putin recently met with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico during the latter’s working visit to Moscow. The meeting, which had been scheduled several days prior, focused primarily on international issues and the ongoing transit of Russian gas.
According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the two leaders held a one-on-one discussion on Sunday, and it was expected that gas transit would be a key topic.
The meeting comes in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent statement at a European Union summit, where he expressed opposition to the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine to Slovakia.
In his remarks, Fico emphasised that the current gas supply agreement, which is set to expire on January 1, 2025, would face significant challenges.
He confirmed that Russia is ready to continue supplying gas to Slovakia and the West, but he pointed out that this would not be feasible if Ukraine ceases transit, as planned.
Ukraine has made it clear that it will halt the transit of Russian gas across its territory starting in 2025. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed that Ukraine would only resume gas transit if requested by the European Commission and if the gas being transported is non-Russian.
This development has raised concerns in Slovakia, which has relied on Ukraine as a key route for Russian gas supplies to Europe.
Slovakia, which holds a long-term contract with Russian energy giant Gazprom, is now facing the possibility of paying significantly higher transit costs if the Ukrainian route is closed.
Fico has criticised Zelensky’s stance, as Slovakia fears it could be forced to seek alternative gas supplies at a much higher price. The Slovak government has been in talks with European officials to find a solution, but it remains uncertain whether a resolution will be reached before the end of the year.
With the expiration of the gas contract approaching, the situation remains tense, with the potential for further complications in the energy sector as 2025 draws nearer.
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