Slovakia's Robert Fico Threatens to Cut Electricity to Ukraine if Gas Transit Stops January 1, 2025, Causing Billions of Damage

Dec 28, 2024, 09:34 AM

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has issued a warning that Slovakia may halt electricity supplies to Ukraine if Kyiv stops the transit of Russian gas through its territory. This ultimatum comes as the current gas transit agreement is set to expire on January 1, 2025. Fico emphasized that the cessation of gas transit would lead to significant economic damage, potentially amounting to billions of euros for all parties involved, including Ukraine. In a statement, he asserted, "By stopping the gas transit, President Zelensky will cause billions of damage to the EU." He also indicated that Slovakia would evaluate potential reciprocal measures against Ukraine after January 1. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Fico of acting under Russian influence, suggesting that Fico's threats were part of a broader strategy to open a 'second energy front' against Ukraine, undermining both Slovak and Ukrainian interests during a critical winter period.