Slovak prime minister Robert Fico announced on Thursday that his coalition government would discuss strong retaliatory measures against Ukraine after Kyiv halted the transit of Russian natural gas through its territory to Slovakia. The move, which took effect on New Year’s Day, has sparked significant tensions between the neighbouring countries and exposed fault lines within the European Union’s energy strategy.
In a video message, Fico described Ukraine’s decision as “sabotage” and outlined potential countermeasures. These include cutting electricity exports to Ukraine, reducing aid for Ukrainian refugees, and seeking either the renewal of gas transits or compensation for financial losses.
Fico said his ruling Smer party was “ready to debate and agree in the coalition on halting supplies of electricity and on significant lowering of support for Ukrainian citizens in Slovakia.”
“The only alternative for a sovereign Slovakia is renewal of transit or demanding compensation mechanisms that will replace the loss in public finances of nearly 500 million euros.”
Fico criticised the European Commission for backing Kyiv’s unilateral decision, arguing that it disregards the economic consequences for Slovakia and other affected member states. Slovakia, he stated, could face nearly €500 million in public revenue losses and an additional €90 million in costs from replacing Russian gas supplies. “This is totally irrational and wrong,” Fico wrote in a letter to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president Charles Michel, urging them to address the crisis immediately.
As europeanconservative.com reported yesterday, Ukraine’s refusal to renew its transit agreement with Gazprom has halted the flow of 14 billion cubic meters of Russian gas that previously supplied the EU. While Brussels celebrated this as a blow to Moscow’s revenues, the move has left Slovakia—the most affected EU member—grappling with soaring energy costs.
An impact study commissioned by Slovakia’s state-owned energy supplier, SPP, estimated that the halt will add €40-50 billion in annual gas costs across the EU, with electricity prices spiking by a further €60-70 billion. Slovakia’s grid operator reported exporting 2.4 million megawatt-hours of electricity to Ukraine in 2024, supplies that Fico now threatens to terminate as part of reciprocal measures.
Fico has also accused the EU of prioritising its stance against Russia over the welfare of member states. “We are being sacrificed in an ideological war,” he charged. He further revealed that Zelensky suggested Slovakia halt payments for Russian gas during the war or accept €500 million in frozen Russian assets as a bargaining chip for supporting Ukraine’s NATO membership—both offers Fico dismissed outright.
While Slovakia has access to alternative gas supplies, the transition comes at a steep price. Austria and the Czech Republic, previously reliant on the same pipelines, have opted for expensive American LNG. Hungary, meanwhile, has circumvented the issue by securing Russian gas via the TurkStream pipeline.
Despite EU assurances of preparedness, Fico remains sceptical. “Accepting Ukraine’s decision without addressing the fallout undermines our sovereignty,” he stated. He plans to bring the issue to Brussels next week, pressing for compensation mechanisms and solidarity among EU states.
