Slovak Pressure Prompting Kiev's Compliance, Says PM
Prime Minister Robert Fico has asserted that Bratislava's stance on Russian gas supplies is gaining support within the EU. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Bratislava's stance on Russian gas supplies is gaining traction within the EU, according to Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Fico's government has been critical of Ukraine’s decision to halt the transit of Russian natural gas through its territory. He suggests that his efforts to pressure Ukraine are yielding results.
Ukraine chose not to renew a transit contract with Russia that lapsed last year, citing national security concerns for both itself and European consumers. Following an assassination attempt linked to a pro-Ukrainian activist last year, Fico has accused President Zelensky of worsening Slovakia’s energy crisis and jeopardizing EU interests. In response, Zelensky has sought to portray Fico as being compromised by Moscow.
In comments to the press on Thursday, Fico stated, “the enormous pressure that we have exerted” on Zelensky has proven effective. He added, “Ukraine is starting to say that it is ready to consider the transit of Azerbaijani gas.”
Ukrainian officials have indicated they might allow third countries to use the Soviet-era pipeline network that previously facilitated Russian gas shipments. However, Fico reiterated his preference for reinstating previous transit arrangements.
A planned meeting involving Fico, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen was called off due to airspace closures in Belgium on Thursday, attributed to a malfunction in the main computer system of traffic controller Skeyes. Fico intends to meet with Jorgensen on Monday, following an informal summit in Brussels.
Fico expressed his contentment that his views—contrary to the EU's goal of phasing out Russian supplies from member states' energy mixes by 2027—are gaining support in the West. He referenced a recent report from The Financial Times suggesting some EU officials believe that affordable Russian pipeline gas could help lower energy prices.
This perspective reportedly “infuriated” some leaders within the economic bloc and advocates for Ukraine in Eastern Europe, with one source labeling it as “madness” and stating it would be “stupid” to entertain such an idea.
Olivia Brown contributed to this report for TROIB News
Fico's government has been critical of Ukraine’s decision to halt the transit of Russian natural gas through its territory. He suggests that his efforts to pressure Ukraine are yielding results.
Ukraine chose not to renew a transit contract with Russia that lapsed last year, citing national security concerns for both itself and European consumers. Following an assassination attempt linked to a pro-Ukrainian activist last year, Fico has accused President Zelensky of worsening Slovakia’s energy crisis and jeopardizing EU interests. In response, Zelensky has sought to portray Fico as being compromised by Moscow.
In comments to the press on Thursday, Fico stated, “the enormous pressure that we have exerted” on Zelensky has proven effective. He added, “Ukraine is starting to say that it is ready to consider the transit of Azerbaijani gas.”
Ukrainian officials have indicated they might allow third countries to use the Soviet-era pipeline network that previously facilitated Russian gas shipments. However, Fico reiterated his preference for reinstating previous transit arrangements.
A planned meeting involving Fico, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen was called off due to airspace closures in Belgium on Thursday, attributed to a malfunction in the main computer system of traffic controller Skeyes. Fico intends to meet with Jorgensen on Monday, following an informal summit in Brussels.
Fico expressed his contentment that his views—contrary to the EU's goal of phasing out Russian supplies from member states' energy mixes by 2027—are gaining support in the West. He referenced a recent report from The Financial Times suggesting some EU officials believe that affordable Russian pipeline gas could help lower energy prices.
This perspective reportedly “infuriated” some leaders within the economic bloc and advocates for Ukraine in Eastern Europe, with one source labeling it as “madness” and stating it would be “stupid” to entertain such an idea.
Olivia Brown contributed to this report for TROIB News
