Putin Meets Slovak Prime Minister as Gas Contract Expires
In a significant meeting at the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on Sunday. This visit marks a rare instance of a European Union leader traveling to Moscow, especially as an important contract for the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine is nearing its end.
Slovakia relies heavily on gas that passes through Ukraine, and the country is actively trying to ensure these gas flows continue until at least 2025. This effort comes amid criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who has declined to extend the contract that is set to expire at the end of this year.
Fico’s trip to Moscow was notably the third visit by an EU leader since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. His visit drew backlash from Slovak opposition politicians, who labeled it a “disgrace.”
After the meeting, Fico took to Facebook, stating that he had notified key EU officials about his trip on the preceding Friday. He made the trip following discussions with Zelenskiy, who reportedly expressed opposition to any gas transit through Ukraine to Slovakia.
During the meeting, Fico shared that President Putin confirmed Russia’s willingness to supply gas to Slovakia and the West, although Fico pointed out that this would be nearly impossible after January 1, 2025, given Zelenskiy’s position.
Since taking office in 2023, Fico has realigned Slovakia’s foreign policy, halting military aid to Ukraine and declaring that the conflict with Russia cannot be resolved through military means. He has also criticized sanctions imposed on Moscow.
This visit by Fico comes in the wake of previous meetings between Putin and other European leaders, including Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer in April 2022 and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in July of the same year. Both previous visits faced criticism from EU allies.
State media in Russia showcased a handshake between Putin and Fico at the beginning of their talks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that the meeting was arranged just a few days prior.
During their discussion, Fico mentioned that he and Putin talked about the military situation in Ukraine, the prospects for peace, and ways to improve Slovak-Russian relations. Slovakia has a long-term deal with Gazprom for gas supply but is concerned about potentially losing transit through Ukraine, which could lead to an increase in expenses.
Ukraine has consistently refused to extend the transit agreement. Fico has raised this issue at EU summits, including a recent one attended by Zelenskiy, who reaffirmed his country’s unwillingness to maintain the transit of Russian gas.
As the Slovak Prime Minister addressed the country’s impending gas crisis, he hinted at possible solutions that would enable the transit of gas owned by other entities instead of directly Russian-owned gas. Hungary, sharing a similar interest in maintaining the Ukrainian transit route, will continue to receive Russian gas via the TurkStream pipeline running under the Black Sea.
Additionally, Moldova, reliant on gas transiting through Ukraine for its energy needs, faces challenges in securing supplies. The head of Moldova’s gas operator, Vadim Ceban, stated that alternative sources for gas could be utilized for its breakaway region, Transdniestria. However, this would come at a higher cost. Ceban noted that Moldovagaz has approached Gazprom to facilitate gas deliveries to Moldova via TurkStream, along with connections from Bulgaria and Romania.
