Slovakia’s Prime Minister, Robert Fico, has been outspoken about what he believes will be disastrous consequences the European Union will face after Ukraine decided to end the long-standing gas transit deal with Russia.
The deal, which expired on January 1, has allowed Moscow to supply natural gas to Central Europe via Ukrainian pipelines. Fico wasted no time in stating that the real impact of this decision would be felt across the EU, not in Russia.
Speaking in his New Year’s address, Fico criticized the European Union’s misguided approach, pointing out that the termination of this deal would significantly disrupt Slovakia and its neighbors, who have relied on affordable Russian energy for decades. “Halting gas transit via Ukraine will have a drastic impact on us all in the EU — but not on the Russian Federation,” he said.
Fico’s warning is not just rhetoric; it reflects a deeper concern for Slovakia’s economy, which faces rising energy costs and diminished competitiveness. He has previously called for action against Ukraine’s decision, even suggesting that Slovakia might stop its electricity exports to Ukraine, which would exacerbate the country’s current winter energy crisis.
Despite the Slovak Prime Minister’s concerns, Ukraine, buoyed by support from the European Commission, remains resolute in its decision, offering its own domestic gas as an alternative for its neighbors. Poland, however, seems ready to step in to provide more electricity, backing Ukraine’s stance while brushing off Fico’s threats.
The end of the gas deal represents a broader European political divide, with Fico’s continued alliance with Russian President Vladimir Putin adding tension to Slovakia’s position within the EU. In his recent visit to Moscow, Fico and Putin discussed energy supplies, underscoring his alignment with Moscow’s interests—much to the dismay of EU leaders who are eager to distance themselves from Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
Poland’s Foreign Minister hailed the move as a “victory” for Ukraine, framing it as a blow to Putin’s ambitions. But while Kyiv celebrates, countries like Slovakia are left to face the fallout. Fico’s criticism of the EU’s actions suggests that the true costs of Ukraine’s decision, and the broader European energy crisis, are far from over.
