Political analyst points to Slovakia's ability to make life difficult for Ukrainians because of gas

Against the background of stopping the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine, Slovakia, which needs it, may hinder Kiev's possible European integration and complicate the life of Ukrainian migrants. Political scientist Ivan Mezyukho told Izvestia on December 20.

Earlier in the day, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fitzo said that if Ukraine does not resume the transit of Russian gas through its territory, Kiev is expecting a serious conflict. The politician expressed bewilderment why Slovakia demonstrates a good attitude towards Ukraine and does not receive it in return.

"Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fitzo's toolkit to put pressure on Ukraine is very limited. Of course, Bratislava can create obstacles to the European integration aspirations of the Ukrainian state and block all decisions on [this] <...>. If we talk about some kind of forceful influence, Fitzo has no such tools," Mezyukho commented.

Nevertheless, he added, Fitzo can "make the life of Ukrainian migrants in Slovakia unbearable." Against this background, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whose powers expired in May, should think about whether he wants "another enemy" in the European Union (EU) after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the publication's interlocutor said.

"With his boorishness, boyish behavior, he (Zelensky. - Ed.), of course, made an enemy out of Viktor Orban. Now he is making an enemy out of Robert Fitzo as well," the expert believes.

In his opinion, the EU will continue to turn a blind eye to the energy crisis in Slovakia and Hungary, because in Brussels there are "American puppets," such as the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, a U.S. protégé. Meziucho expressed confidence that she remained in office for a second term in order to maintain the EU's anti-Russian, Russophobic course.

"EU leaders will ignore the eurozone's energy security challenges. This is obvious, so, by and large, Fitzo cannot seek help in the structures of the European Union," the political analyst summarized.

He also called the crisis unfolding in Europe surprising - not only Hungary and Slovakia are facing problems, but also other countries, such as France and Germany, which used to be able to be a donor for the allies. And instead of establishing communication with the Russian Federation, the EU is still pursuing a suicidal anti-Russian course, Meziucho concluded.

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Earlier in the day, Fitzo said that Zielenski had set a condition that he would agree to transit gas through Ukraine if Russia was not paid 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.

On December 18, Fitzo 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 in general.

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