Slovak PM Fico Proposes Meeting with Zelensky on Gas Transit Issues
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Synopsis
Slovak PM Robert Fico has urged Ukrainian President Zelensky to meet regarding halted gas transit through Ukraine, aiming to discuss potential solutions and the impact on Slovakia and the EU's competitiveness.
Key Takeaways
- Robert Fico seeks urgent discussions with Zelensky.
- The gas transit through Ukraine has been recently halted.
- Meeting aims to pave the way for open dialogue on gas supplies.
- Possible losses of 500 million euros for Slovakia.
- Concerns about rising gas prices and supply shortages.
Bratislava, Jan 14 (NationPress) The Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, has suggested convening discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding the recent cessation of gas transit through Ukraine.
In a public letter shared on social media, Fico invited Zelensky on Monday for a collaborative meeting on Slovak soil, ideally occurring "as soon as possible," as reported by Xinhua news agency.
This meeting aims to "establish a solid groundwork for a transparent dialogue" concerning gas supplies to Slovakia and other nations via Ukraine, as well as potential technical solutions following the expiration of the contract between the relevant Ukrainian and Russian companies on December 31, 2024, Fico emphasized.
Zelensky's choice not to renew the contract, along with the interruption of gas transit to Slovakia on January 1, 2025, has not only strained bilateral relations between Slovakia and Ukraine but has also negatively impacted the competitiveness of the European Union, an organization that Kyiv aspires to join, Fico remarked, adding that his viewpoint is shared across Europe.
Fico has warned of possibly halting electricity exports to Ukraine and reducing support for Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia, following Kyiv's refusal to extend the gas transit agreement.
The Slovak premier reiterated that Slovakia stands to lose 500 million euros (approximately $510 million) in gas transit revenues that were previously generated from transporting Russian gas through Ukraine to other European countries. Furthermore, this disruption is anticipated to increase gas prices, worsening supply shortages.
Fico visited Moscow at the end of last year, where he conferred with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He informed local media on Sunday that Russia is expected to fulfill its commitment to supply natural gas to Slovakia in the upcoming months.
