Ukraine and Slovakia clash over Russian gas transit claims, sparking tensions and threats of retaliation.
At a Glance
- A meeting between Ukraine, Slovakia, and EU officials on energy security was canceled
- Slovakia wants to extend a gas transit deal through Ukraine, which expired on January 1
- Slovak PM Robert Fico threatened to cut electricity exports to Ukraine
- Ukraine refutes Slovakia’s claims about walking out of discussions
- The European Commission is ready to continue talks on the issue
Canceled Meeting Sparks Controversy
A planned meeting between Ukraine, Slovakia, and European Union officials to discuss energy security has been canceled, igniting a diplomatic row between the neighboring countries. The meeting was intended to address the expiration of a gas transit deal through Ukraine, which ended on January 1. Slovakia, eager to continue importing Russian gas through Ukrainian pipelines, sought an extension of the agreement but was met with resistance.
The cancellation of the meeting has led to conflicting narratives from both sides. Slovakia claims that Ukraine walked out of discussions, prompting the European Commission to call off the meeting. However, Ukraine’s EU ambassador, Vsevolod Chentsov, vehemently denies this assertion, stating that Ukraine initiated the dialogue in response to threats from Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Escalating Tensions and Threats
The situation has escalated with Fico threatening to cut electricity exports to Ukraine and reduce support for refugees. This move has drawn criticism from Ukraine and raised concerns about the potential impact on regional energy security. Ukraine maintains that the meeting was called to address these threats, not to discuss gas transit issues as Slovakia claims.
The dispute has highlighted the complex dynamics of energy politics in the region, with Ukraine seeking to assert its position while Slovakia aims to secure its energy supplies. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the broader geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West.
European Commission’s Role
As tensions rise between Ukraine and Slovakia, the European Commission has expressed its willingness to engage in further discussions on the matter. The EU’s executive arm emphasized its readiness to address the impacts of the expired transit agreements with all parties involved.
Despite warnings from Slovakia and Hungary about potential price crises or supply shortages, EU officials report that these concerns have not materialized. The European Commission has suggested rescheduling the canceled meeting, indicating a commitment to finding a resolution to the ongoing dispute.
