The tensions between Ukraine and Slovakia have reached a breaking point regarding the transit of Russian natural gas, Kyiv accusing Bratislava to prioritize profits over solidarity in the face of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The dispute concerns the refusal of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to support alternatives to Russian gas transit, a move Kyiv alleges directly helps Moscow's war efforts.
A $500 million question
Slovakia, a key player in the European gas transit network, would gain 500 million dollars per year by facilitating the flow of Russian natural gas through pipelines to countries like Hungary. According to a Ukrainian official close to President Volodymyr Zelenskyythese revenues have become a pillar of Slovak national politics, even as other European Union nations seek to break their energy dependence on Moscow.
“This is not a security issue at all for Fico,” the official said. “Ukraine is losing lives because of Russia, and Fico wants to make money with a flat rate and help Russia finance the war. »
Officials accused Fico of block sanctions against Russia's nuclear industry and resist Ukraine's bid to join NATOwhile prioritizing the continuation of Russian gas flows. They argued that this position is deeply at odds with Ukraine's sacrifices and the EU's broader solidarity against Russian aggression.
Zelenskyy offer rejected
The feud intensified when Fico affirmed that Zelenskyy had proposed to him 500 million euros in Russian assets to secure Slovakia's support for Ukraine's NATO aspirations. Fico, a strong advocate of closer ties with Moscow, reportedly responded:
“Of course, I said 'never.' »
kyiv, however, reacted, with officials saying Zelenskyy's offer was aimed at compensate Slovakia for its potential economic losses if it turned away from Russian gas. According to the Ukrainian source, Fico rejected the proposal categorically, emphasizing its reluctance to explore alternative energy sources.
The Moral Divider
For Kyiv, the stakes are existential. Zelenskyy stressed theimmorality of Slovakia's position, especially as Ukraine faces enormous human and economic losses in its war against Russia. Speaking at a meeting in BrusselsZelenskyy said:
“It’s a bit shameful to talk about money because we’re losing people.”
The Ukrainian leader's comments reflect the frustration of a nation at war, battling neighbors who Kyiv says prioritize profit over principle.
The pro-Russian position of Fico and Orbán
Slovak Fico is not alone in this controversy. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbánanother Kremlin-friendly EU leader, worked with Fico to maintain access to Russian energy. Hungary even raised the idea of rebrand Russian gas as Hungarian before it entered Ukraine, a tactic it already uses to justify its purchase of Russian oil.
The stance has sparked anger across Europe, with critics arguing such actions undermine EU efforts to reduce dependence on Russian energy and limit the Kremlin's ability to finance its war machine.
Time is running out
The current agreement allowing Gazprom to pump natural gas through Ukraine expires on January 1, 2025with no renewal in sight. European Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen acknowledged that the bloc was preparing for this eventuality, saying:
“The imminent end of Russian pipeline gas is no surprise.”
However, the Central European energy companies put pressure on the President of the EU Ursula von der Leyen to extend the deal, arguing that cutting off Russian gas could destabilize the region's energy supplies.
Putin's perspective
The Russian President Vladimir Poutine appears resigned to the deal's expiration, but analysts predict that Gazprom could lose up to $6.5 billion in revenue if the pipeline is closed. The financial blow would further strain the Kremlin's resources as it continues its costly invasion of Ukraine.
The big picture
This dispute highlights the complex interplay between energy security, economic priorities and geopolitics within the European Union. For Ukraine, the stakes are vital; for Slovakia, the issue is framed as a question of national economic security. Meanwhile, Russia continues to use energy as a weapon, exploiting divisions within the EU to maintain its influence.
As the deadline approaches, the question remains: Will European solidarity hold, or will economic interests fracture the bloc's united front against Moscow?
