Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has issued a warning to Ukraine, threatening retaliatory actions if Kyiv halts Russian gas transit through Slovakia starting January 1.
The tension comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced last week that his administration would not renew the existing transit agreement for Russian gas, set to expire at the end of the year. Zelenskyy accused Fico of aiding Russian President Vladimir Putin in financing the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by continuing to purchase Russian natural gas.
In a video posted on Facebook Friday, Fico stated, “After January 1, we will assess the situation and consider reciprocal measures against Ukraine. If necessary, we may stop the supply of electricity to Ukraine, which is critical for their grid stability.”
Fico also expressed concerns that the termination of the Russian gas transit would lead to higher energy costs for the European Union, compromising its competitiveness. He warned that Slovakia would also face increased energy prices, adding a pointed remark towards Zelenskyy: “But who cares about Slovakia, right, Mr. Zelenskyy? Yet, when you need something to prevent freezing in the winter, you raise your voice in frustration.”
Kyiv has declined to renew its gas transit deal with Russian state energy company Gazprom, which facilitates the transportation of Russian natural gas to countries like Slovakia and Hungary. Both Kyiv and Putin have signaled that the contract, originally signed in 2019, will not be extended. Instead, Ukraine has offered its domestic gas production as an alternative energy source for neighboring countries.
For months, Slovakia and Hungary—led by pro-Russia leaders Robert Fico and Viktor Orbán, respectively—have sought to convince Ukraine to extend the deal, arguing that its termination could threaten energy security and lead to a significant price spike during the winter. Both nations have called on the European Commission to intervene, but the EU has ruled out mediating a contract extension.
In a surprise visit to Moscow over the Christmas holidays, Fico met with Putin to discuss gas supplies. This move further inflamed tensions, with Zelenskyy accusing the Slovak leader of undermining European unity and helping Putin. According to a senior Ukrainian adviser, Slovakia profits significantly from discounted Russian gas, earning around $500 million annually.
Since taking office last year, Fico has emerged as one of the EU’s more Russia-friendly leaders. He has openly opposed Ukraine’s NATO membership and has stated that Slovakia will not provide additional military aid to Kyiv, reinforcing his alignment with Moscow’s interests.
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