Slovak Premier asserts that Kiev bowing to Slovak pressure
(MENAFN) Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has asserted that his efforts to pressure Ukraine regarding its decision to halt Russian natural gas transit are starting to show results. Ukraine had chosen not to renew a transit contract with Russia, citing national security concerns for both itself and European consumers. Fico, who survived an assassination attempt by a pro-Ukrainian activist last year, accused Ukrainian President Zelensky of worsening Slovakia's energy crisis and undermining EU interests.
Fico claimed that the pressure Slovakia has applied has led Ukraine to consider allowing the transit of Azerbaijani gas, although he expressed a preference for returning to previous gas transit agreements with Russia. Despite this, Ukrainian officials have hinted at allowing third countries to use its Soviet-era pipeline network.
Fico's stance, which contradicts the EU's goal of eliminating Russian gas supplies by 2027, has found some support within the EU, with certain officials suggesting that affordable Russian gas could help reduce energy prices. However, this proposal has sparked backlash among Eastern European supporters of Ukraine and EU leaders.
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