Fitzo threatened Ukraine with conflict if gas transit is cut off

If Ukraine does not allow the transit of gas intended for Slovakia through its territory from Russia to Europe, a conflict may occur. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fitzo said on December 20.

"If [Ukrainian President with expired May 20 powers Volodymyr] Zelensky does not let our gas in, there could be a serious conflict," Fitzo said, his statement published on his page in the social network Facebook (part of Meta, recognized as a terrorist organization and banned in Russia).

The head of the Slovak government reminded that Bratislava provided Kiev with humanitarian aid and requires the same respectful behavior. The prime minister expressed bewilderment as to why Slovakia demonstrates a good attitude towards Ukraine, while the latter cannot show any solidarity in return.

The transit contract for gas from Russia expires on December 31.

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Although Moscow remains a reliable fuel supplier for the countries of the region

Earlier in the day, Fitzo said that Zelensky had set a condition that he would agree to transit gas through Ukraine if Russia did not pay for the fuel until the conflict ended. The Slovak prime minister said that such a proposal seems absurd to him, because no one will supply gas for free, and Ukraine thus completely excludes the possibility of transit. This will make gas more expensive, which will be painful for the entire European Union (EU).

Fitzo on Dec. 18 urged Europe to find a way to continue gas transit through Ukraine because Bratislava risks losing annual revenue of €500 million ($525 million) from transit fees and Kiev risks losing transit routes altogether.

Bloomberg reported on Dec. 17 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.

The Russian leadership has repeatedly pointed out that the country has not given up transit gas supplies to Europe, but to extend them, European countries must negotiate with Kiev. 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.