Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia are increasingl anxious after Prime Minister Robert Fico threatened to cut financial support for over 130,000 of them. This statement came in response to Ukraine’s decision to shut down pipelines transporting Russian gas to Central Europe, which is set to begin in January 2025.
Slovakia risks losing millions of euros in transit fees, as it is the primary entry point for Russian gas into Europe. Fico, who made an unexpected visit to Russia last month, described Kyiv’s decision as an act of sabotage.
The Prime Minister announced that Slovakia will propose to the European Union a suspension of electricity exports to Ukraine. Furthermore, in response to Ukraine’s decision to shut down the gas pipeline, Slovakia will significantly reduce financial aid for Ukrainian refugees.
Fico noted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision to close the gas pipelines would result in Slovakia losing €500 million in transit fees. However, he assured that Slovakia is not at risk of a gas shortage, as the country has already arranged for alternative supply sources.
He also emphasized that his party is ready to discuss significantly reducing Slovakia’s financial support for Ukrainian refugees and cutting electricity supplies to Ukraine. Fico stated, “The only sovereign alternative for Slovakia is to either restore gas transit or demand compensation mechanisms to offset financial losses.”
Ukrainian President Zelensky has accused Slovak Prime Minister Fico of assisting Russian President Vladimir Putin in financing the war and undermining Ukraine. Following Fico’s visit to Russia last month, Zelensky stated, “Fico is dragging Slovakia into Russia’s efforts to cause further suffering for Ukrainians.”
Meanwhile, Poland has offered support to Kyiv in case Slovakia halts its electricity exports to Ukraine. Ukraine heavily relies on electricity imports due to the ongoing Russian attacks on its power plants.
Poland has praised Ukraine’s decision to cut Russian gas supplies to Central Europe, describing it as another blow to Moscow. The European Union has already taken measures to prepare for the halt in Russian gas deliveries, and according to the European Commission, member states are well-equipped to adapt.
Many non-EU European countries, like Moldova, are facing gas shortages, with Moldova already experiencing significant energy challenges.
Despite the closure of the Russian gas pipeline through Ukraine, Russia can still export gas to countries like Turkey, Hungary, and Serbia through the TurkStream pipeline, which runs under the Black Sea.
