Ukraine Responds to Slovakia’s Gas Transit Criticism: The Real Issue is Russia

(Kyiv) – The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded to statements made by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico about stopping Russian gas transit through Ukraine. Heorhiy Tykhyi, the spokesperson for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, clarified that the real issue lies with Russia’s aggression and the reluctance of some European nations to reduce their dependence on Russian energy resources.

In a press briefing, Tykhyi remarked that Fico’s criticism of Ukraine was misplaced. He said, “There is no need to put a sore thumb on a healthy head,” stressing that the problem originated with Russia’s actions, not Ukraine’s decisions. The spokesperson pointed out that Ukraine has been involved in a defensive war against Russian aggression for nearly three years, with Russia’s aim to undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty. Tykhyi argued that this ongoing conflict was the primary cause of the disruption in gas transit and energy concerns.

Ukraine’s stance throughout the war has been to deprive Russia of resources, particularly energy, which fuel the Russian military campaign. From the outset of the war, Ukraine has maintained a firm position in urging European countries to reduce their reliance on Russian energy. Over the past few years, many European nations have diversified their energy supplies, securing their energy independence. Tykhyi noted that even Austria, which was heavily reliant on Russian energy, had found ways to reduce its dependence. However, Slovakia and Hungary had not managed to do so, which he found problematic. He suggested that these countries failed to diversify their energy sources and questioned why this was the case.

Tykhyi continued by urging European leaders to understand that Ukraine should not bear the blame for issues stemming from Russian aggression and the failure of some countries to break free from Russian energy dependence. He added that Slovakia’s citizens and organizations have shown sincere support for Ukraine, and their efforts are appreciated.

In the context of the gas transit dispute, the contract for Russian gas transit through Ukraine expired on January 1, 2025. Slovakia had attempted to extend the agreement last year, exploring alternative solutions such as purchasing gas before it reached Ukraine for transit. Despite these efforts, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the collapse of the negotiations during an EU summit in December 2024. Fico recently threatened to veto the EU’s decision on the suspension of gas transit, further complicating the situation.