Slovak premier urged to maintain gas transit from Russia to Europe via Ukraine

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fitzo has urged European allies to find a way to continue supplying Russian gas through Ukraine when the transit agreement expires. This was reported by Bloomberg news agency on Wednesday, December 18.

Fitzo said Slovakia, a key buyer of gas from Russia, risks losing annual revenue of €500 million ($525 million) from transit fees.

"Are we just going to let this pipeline dry up? In the name of what, because you don't like the Russians? Fine, I like them," the politician said.

He also noted that maintaining supplies is also important for Ukraine, as it will allow it to preserve transit routes.

The transit contract for gas pumping from Russia expires on December 31. In connection with the approaching termination date, Fitzo plans to discuss possible solutions with European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday.

Who was hit by the termination of gas transit through Ukraine. Parsing

Earlier in the day, former Moldovan Prime Minister Vasily Tarlev told Izvestia that the stoppage of Russian gas transit through Ukraine had led his country to an energy crisis. He called on Chisinau to restore dialog with Moscow on this issue. In turn, Bundestag deputy from the Sarah Wagenknecht Union party Klaus Ernst spoke in favor of negotiations with Russia on natural gas supplies through the remaining section of Nord Stream.

The day before, Bloomberg reported that key Central European companies signed a declaration supporting the continuation of gas transit through Ukraine in 2025. At the same time, the share of gas imports from Russia to European countries has increased again, the country remains one of the largest suppliers of the energy resource.

Prior to that, on December 13, Fitzo said that Slovakia was negotiating to continue gas supplies through Ukrainian territory, but then Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmygal ruled out extending the transit agreement.

The Russian leadership has repeatedly drawn attention to the fact that the country has not given up gas transit supplies to Europe, but European countries must negotiate with Kiev to extend them. According to analyst Ihor Yushkov, stopping the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine in January threatens Europe with a significant price hike, which will affect households and businesses.