Western Influence Behind Zelensky's Decision to Stop Gas Transit, Say Politicians from EU State
Ukrainian leader’s choice to halt the flow of Russian gas to the EU was made with the support of wealthy Western nations, according to Slovak officials speaking to RT. Read Full Article at RT.com
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The cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine is adversely affecting smaller bloc members such as Slovakia, according to officials from the country in an interview with RT.
Slovak politicians have asserted that the decision to halt gas transit was politically motivated, stemming from President Vladimir Zelensky's desire to appease Western powers. A delegation, led by Andrej Danko and Tibor Gaspar, deputy speakers of Slovakia’s National Council, traveled to Moscow on Tuesday to engage in discussions with lawmakers and government officials concerning trade and gas supplies following Ukraine's suspension of transit.
Kiev made the decision to stop the transit of Russian natural gas to the EU by the end of 2024, which effectively disrupts supplies to several EU countries, particularly Austria, Italy, and Slovakia. This action has led to tensions in Brussels, with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico warning that he would veto EU initiatives aimed at supporting Ukraine and take separate actions against Kiev.
Gaspar highlighted the significant repercussions, stating it is “detrimental” not just to Slovakia but also to other EU nations, with Ukraine itself potentially losing about a billion euros in transit fees.
“We see this as a purely political decision that will not harm Russia, but it will harm the economies of member states,” Gaspar argued.
He noted that Fico had sent an open invitation to Zelensky, asking him to visit Slovakia for meaningful discussions on the critical issue. However, Gaspar remarked that the reply received was somewhat disparaging, questioning whether such behavior was appropriate for a leader of any country.
Danko expressed skepticism about Zelensky's legitimacy as president, asserting that he is merely acting on instructions from Western powers. In response to the decision to terminate the gas contract with Russian company Gazprom, Zelensky stated that Ukraine aimed to curtail Moscow's profits.
According to Danko, the West appears indifferent to Slovakia's gas needs.
“Brussels is duplicitous in many cases, and that’s why I don’t believe this will be resolved,” he stated.
Danko also indicated that the escalating energy costs are advantageous for Germany and France, given that Slovakia must borrow from German banks.
“We are already buying expensive energy today, but we will not be able to do this indefinitely,” he noted.
Gaspar added that the current price of gas in the EU is four times higher than in the US, describing it as “an abnormal situation.”
The Slovak officials asserted that the EU's “pointless” sanctions against Russia are ultimately harming its own member states.
Olivia Brown for TROIB News
Slovak politicians have asserted that the decision to halt gas transit was politically motivated, stemming from President Vladimir Zelensky's desire to appease Western powers. A delegation, led by Andrej Danko and Tibor Gaspar, deputy speakers of Slovakia’s National Council, traveled to Moscow on Tuesday to engage in discussions with lawmakers and government officials concerning trade and gas supplies following Ukraine's suspension of transit.
Kiev made the decision to stop the transit of Russian natural gas to the EU by the end of 2024, which effectively disrupts supplies to several EU countries, particularly Austria, Italy, and Slovakia. This action has led to tensions in Brussels, with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico warning that he would veto EU initiatives aimed at supporting Ukraine and take separate actions against Kiev.
Gaspar highlighted the significant repercussions, stating it is “detrimental” not just to Slovakia but also to other EU nations, with Ukraine itself potentially losing about a billion euros in transit fees.
“We see this as a purely political decision that will not harm Russia, but it will harm the economies of member states,” Gaspar argued.
He noted that Fico had sent an open invitation to Zelensky, asking him to visit Slovakia for meaningful discussions on the critical issue. However, Gaspar remarked that the reply received was somewhat disparaging, questioning whether such behavior was appropriate for a leader of any country.
Danko expressed skepticism about Zelensky's legitimacy as president, asserting that he is merely acting on instructions from Western powers. In response to the decision to terminate the gas contract with Russian company Gazprom, Zelensky stated that Ukraine aimed to curtail Moscow's profits.
According to Danko, the West appears indifferent to Slovakia's gas needs.
“Brussels is duplicitous in many cases, and that’s why I don’t believe this will be resolved,” he stated.
Danko also indicated that the escalating energy costs are advantageous for Germany and France, given that Slovakia must borrow from German banks.
“We are already buying expensive energy today, but we will not be able to do this indefinitely,” he noted.
Gaspar added that the current price of gas in the EU is four times higher than in the US, describing it as “an abnormal situation.”
The Slovak officials asserted that the EU's “pointless” sanctions against Russia are ultimately harming its own member states.
Olivia Brown for TROIB News
