EU nation cautions of 'serious conflict' with Kiev
Prime Minister Robert Fico has cautioned that Ukraine and Slovakia could potentially face a “serious conflict” regarding gas transit. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Prime Minister Robert Fico has issued a warning of potential ‘retaliation’ following Ukraine's decision to halt gas transit to Slovakia.
On Friday, Fico cautioned that a “serious conflict” could arise if Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky “doesn’t release our gas.” This statement came a day after a private meeting between the two leaders in Brussels.
In a Facebook post, Fico announced Slovakia is contemplating retaliatory measures against Ukraine due to its refusal to continue the transit of Russian gas to the EU member state. Ukraine is unwilling to renew the multi-year transit agreement with Russia, which previously allowed gas to flow through its territory despite ongoing hostilities.
Fico asserted that Slovaks "are not servants doing the bidding of Zelensky," and remarked that Ukraine is “losing decisively,” while Zelensky “absolutely rejects any ceasefire.”
Although Bratislava expresses empathy toward Kyiv's situation, Fico emphasized that Slovakia is “not at any war” with either Russia or Ukraine. He described the proposals from Zelensky regarding the gas issue, discussed at their meeting, as “absurd,” particularly criticizing a suggestion that allowed continued transit under the condition that Russia would not receive payments until the conflict concludes. “What fool will give us gas for free?” he questioned journalists.
Fico mentioned that Slovakia is assisting Ukraine through non-military means, such as supplying electricity to help alleviate its power shortages. He insisted that relations should not be one-sided, admitting, “I cannot completely rule out reciprocal measures,” and stating that his government will explore its options in the coming week.
Previously, Ukraine proposed allowing gas of non-Russian origin to pass through its pipelines. Officials indicated that Azerbaijan might be a potential source for such gas.
European buyers of Russian pipeline gas, including Slovakia’s SPP, warned the European Commission this past Tuesday about the substantial risks the cessation of Ukrainian transit presents to EU members, urging Brussels to intervene.
The ongoing dispute was a topic of discussion during Russian President Vladimir Putin's annual Q&A session, where he claimed that Russian gas giant Gazprom “can live” without the transit of gas through Ukraine.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
On Friday, Fico cautioned that a “serious conflict” could arise if Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky “doesn’t release our gas.” This statement came a day after a private meeting between the two leaders in Brussels.
In a Facebook post, Fico announced Slovakia is contemplating retaliatory measures against Ukraine due to its refusal to continue the transit of Russian gas to the EU member state. Ukraine is unwilling to renew the multi-year transit agreement with Russia, which previously allowed gas to flow through its territory despite ongoing hostilities.
Fico asserted that Slovaks "are not servants doing the bidding of Zelensky," and remarked that Ukraine is “losing decisively,” while Zelensky “absolutely rejects any ceasefire.”
Although Bratislava expresses empathy toward Kyiv's situation, Fico emphasized that Slovakia is “not at any war” with either Russia or Ukraine. He described the proposals from Zelensky regarding the gas issue, discussed at their meeting, as “absurd,” particularly criticizing a suggestion that allowed continued transit under the condition that Russia would not receive payments until the conflict concludes. “What fool will give us gas for free?” he questioned journalists.
Fico mentioned that Slovakia is assisting Ukraine through non-military means, such as supplying electricity to help alleviate its power shortages. He insisted that relations should not be one-sided, admitting, “I cannot completely rule out reciprocal measures,” and stating that his government will explore its options in the coming week.
Previously, Ukraine proposed allowing gas of non-Russian origin to pass through its pipelines. Officials indicated that Azerbaijan might be a potential source for such gas.
European buyers of Russian pipeline gas, including Slovakia’s SPP, warned the European Commission this past Tuesday about the substantial risks the cessation of Ukrainian transit presents to EU members, urging Brussels to intervene.
The ongoing dispute was a topic of discussion during Russian President Vladimir Putin's annual Q&A session, where he claimed that Russian gas giant Gazprom “can live” without the transit of gas through Ukraine.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
