Tensions between Ukraine and Slovakia have reached a boiling point over the transit of Russian natural gas, with Kyiv accusing Bratislava of prioritizing profits over solidarity in the face of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The dispute centers on Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico’s refusal to support alternatives to Russian gas transit, a move that Kyiv alleges directly aids Moscow’s war efforts.
A $500 Million Question
Slovakia, a key player in the European gas transit network, reportedly earns $500 million annually from facilitating the flow of Russian natural gas through pipelines to countries like Hungary. According to a Ukrainian official close to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this revenue has become a cornerstone of Slovakia’s national policy, even as other European Union nations move to sever their energy dependence on Moscow.
“It’s not about security at all for Fico,” the official said. “Ukraine is losing people because of Russia, and Fico wants to earn money from a flat rate and help Russia finance the war.”
The official accused Fico of blocking sanctions on Russia’s nuclear industry and resisting Ukraine’s bid to join NATO, while prioritizing the continuation of Russian gas flows. This stance, they argued, is deeply at odds with Ukraine’s sacrifices and broader EU solidarity against Russian aggression.
Zelenskyy’s Offer Rejected
The feud escalated when Fico claimed that Zelenskyy offered him €500 million in Russian assets to secure Slovakia’s support for Ukraine’s NATO aspirations. Fico, a staunch advocate of closer ties with Moscow, reportedly responded:
“Of course, I said ‘never.’”
Kyiv, however, pushed back, with officials stating that Zelenskyy’s offer was aimed at compensating Slovakia for its potential economic losses if it transitioned away from Russian gas. According to the Ukrainian source, Fico dismissed the proposal outright, underscoring his reluctance to explore alternative energy sources.
The Moral Divide
For Kyiv, the stakes are existential. Zelenskyy emphasized the immorality of Slovakia’s position, particularly as Ukraine faces immense human and economic losses in its war with Russia. Speaking at a Brussels meeting, Zelenskyy said:
“It’s a bit shameful to talk about money because we are losing people.”
The Ukrainian leader’s comments reflect the frustration of a nation at war, grappling with neighbors who, in Kyiv’s view, prioritize profit over principle.
Fico and Orbán’s Pro-Russian Stance
Slovakia’s Fico is not alone in this controversy. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, another Kremlin-friendly EU leader, has been working with Fico to maintain access to Russian energy. Hungary has even floated the idea of rebranding Russian gas as Hungarian before it enters Ukraine, a tactic it already uses to justify its purchase of Russian oil.
This stance has drawn ire across Europe, with critics arguing that such moves undermine EU efforts to reduce dependence on Russian energy and curtail the Kremlin’s ability to fund its war machine.
The Clock is Ticking
The current agreement allowing Gazprom to pump natural gas through Ukraine expires on January 1, 2025, with no renewal in sight. EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen acknowledged the bloc’s preparation for this eventuality, stating:
“The looming end of Russian pipeline gas is not something that comes as a surprise.”
However, Central European energy firms have lobbied EU President Ursula von der Leyen to extend the deal, arguing that cutting off Russian gas could destabilize the region’s energy supply.
Putin’s Perspective
Russian President Vladimir Putin appears resigned to the deal’s expiration, but analysts predict that Gazprom could lose up to $6.5 billion in revenue if the pipeline is shut down. This financial hit would further strain the Kremlin’s resources as it continues its costly invasion of Ukraine.
The Bigger Picture
This dispute highlights the complex interplay between energy security, economic priorities, and geopolitics in the European Union. For Ukraine, the stakes are life and death; for Slovakia, the issue is framed as national economic security. Meanwhile, Russia continues to leverage energy as a weapon, exploiting divisions within the EU to maintain its influence.
As the deadline approaches, the question remains: Will European solidarity hold, or will economic interests fracture the bloc’s united front against Moscow?
