Putin Meets Slovak PM as Ukrainian Gas Transit Deal Nears End

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin on Sunday, a move criticized by Slovak opposition politicians as a "disgrace," as reported by Reuters. This rare visit by an EU leader to Moscow comes as a contract allowing Russian gas to transit through Ukraine nears expiry.

Slovakia, heavily reliant on Russian gas transiting through Ukraine, has been actively seeking to maintain these gas flows beyond 2025. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly refused to extend the existing contract, which expires at the end of the year.

Fico's trip marks only the third visit by an EU government head to Moscow since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Hungarian PM Viktor Orban, who have also visited Russia, faced criticism from their allies for their engagements with Putin.

Following the meeting, Fico posted on Facebook, stating that top EU officials were informed of his trip on Friday. He attributed the visit to discussions with Zelenskyy last week, during which the Ukrainian president reportedly expressed opposition to any Russian gas transit through Ukraine to Slovakia.

"Russian President V. Putin confirmed the readiness of the (Russian Federation) to continue to supply gas to the West and Slovakia, which is practically impossible after Jan. 1, 2025 in view of the stance of the Ukrainian president," Fico stated.

Fico's visit comes at a time when Slovakia is facing a potential gas crisis. The country relies on a long-term contract with Russia's Gazprom for gas supplies. Maintaining gas transit through Ukraine is crucial for Slovakia, as acquiring gas from alternative sources would incur significantly higher transit costs.

Ukraine's refusal to extend the transit deal has created a complex situation. Fico has proposed alternative solutions where Ukraine would not transit Russian-owned gas but rather gas owned by other entities.

Hungary, similarly reliant on the Ukrainian gas transit route, has also expressed interest in extending the arrangement. However, Hungary will continue to receive Russian gas from the south via the TurkStream pipeline.

Moldova, another country reliant on Russian gas transiting through Ukraine, faces similar challenges. The acting head of Moldovagaz, Vadim Ceban, stated that alternative gas sources are available for the separatist Transdniestria region, but at a higher cost. Ceban also noted that Moldovagaz has appealed to Gazprom to supply gas to Moldova via TurkStream and through Bulgaria and Romania.