Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is pressing European allies to secure a continued flow of Russian natural gas through Ukraine after a key transit agreement expires at the end of the year, Bloomberg reports.
Slovakia, a significant recipient of Russian gas via this route, stands to lose substantial revenue – estimated at €500 million ($525 million) annually in transit fees – if alternative arrangements are not made.
“Are we just going to let that pipeline dry up?” Fico questioned on Wednesday. “In the name of what? Because you don’t like the Russians? Fine, I like them.”
The looming deadline highlights the complex energy dynamics in Eastern Europe. While the EU has reduced its reliance on Russian gas, some eastern member states still rely on these supplies and are actively seeking a new agreement. Slovakia has engaged in discussions with both Moscow and Kyiv, and Prime Minister Fico plans to discuss “technical solutions” with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday.
Fico emphasized the importance of maintaining the gas transit not only for Slovakia’s economic interests but also for Ukraine, stating that Kyiv “has a huge interest in maintaining the transit routes.”
Various proposals are under consideration to keep gas flowing, including the involvement of intermediaries.
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