This is reported by RBK-Ukraine, referencing Alexander Kharchenko, the director of the Energy Research Center, and industry sources.
According to Kharchenko, the promise made by Fico does not pose any serious threats. “The most that could happen is that Slovakia will lose additional money on top of what it will definitely lose from the cessation of gas transit,” he stated.
An industry source also pointed out that there will be no negative consequences for Ukraine from the halt of electricity supplies from Slovakia.
Currently, Ukraine can receive up to 2.1 GW of electricity from the EU through four countries: Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and Romania. If one of these countries stops supplies, the necessary volumes can be provided within acceptable limits by the other three countries, the source emphasized.
Recently, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced that his country may stop supplying electricity to Ukraine, which is needed during the energy deficit caused by Russian shelling. This is due to Kyiv's refusal to resume the transit of Russian gas through its territory.
Back in August, Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine does not intend to extend the contract with Russia for gas transit, which expires on January 1, 2025. However, Ukraine was discussing the transit of Azerbaijani gas to the EU.
This sparked outrage in Slovakia. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico personally traveled to Kyiv to persuade the Ukrainian government to extend the transit of Russian gas.
One of Fico's arguments was that if Ukraine “wants to maintain its infrastructure, it must use it.” Additionally, he noted that both countries would benefit from the transit, as Slovakia would pay Ukraine transit fees.
However, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal explained that imposing sanctions on Russian gas and depriving Russia of the ability to finance its war through it is “a strategic goal for Ukraine”.
Following this, Fico stated that “if Zelensky does not give us our gas, it could lead to a serious conflict.” He proposed a “trick” for Russian gas to be “no longer Russian, but Hungarian” by the time it reaches Ukrainian territory.