Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has openly challenged Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to visit Kyiv, intensifying a diplomatic rift over gas transit and support for Ukraine during the ongoing war. Fico’s recent trip to Moscow, where he met Russian President Vladimir Putin, sparked sharp criticism, especially given Slovakia’s wavering stance on aiding Ukraine.
During his Moscow visit, Fico discussed a potential deal to continue gas transit through Ukraine by changing its ownership en route. However, Fico claimed Zelensky rejected the proposal during December’s EU summit, a decision Fico labelled as a setback for Europe’s energy security. Slovakia imported 13.5 billion cubic metres of gas via Ukraine last year, and Fico argues that Europe faces multibillion-euro losses due to rising gas prices in its absence.
Fico has threatened retaliatory measures if no agreement on gas transit is reached. These include reducing emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine, curbing aid for Ukrainian refugees, and using Slovakia’s veto in EU decisions concerning Ukraine.
Meanwhile, ten EU countries, including the Czech Republic, Denmark, and Finland, have called for an outright ban on Russian gas imports, targeting both pipeline and liquefied natural gas (LNG). This proposal comes as the EU prepares its 16th sanctions package against Russia ahead of the third anniversary of its invasion of Ukraine. The bloc has already banned Russian seaborne oil imports, but some member states remain reliant on Russian gas, complicating unanimous approval of further sanctions.
The push for stronger sanctions reflects growing frustration among EU members over the continued flow of revenue to Moscow, despite existing restrictions. The 10 countries also urged the EU to block Russian LNG tankers from docking in EU ports, a move requiring strategic unity across the bloc.
In parallel, Russia accused Ukraine of “energy terrorism,” alleging drone attacks on infrastructure linked to its TurkStream gas pipeline. Although the attack caused no casualties or disruptions, the Kremlin labelled it part of a series of dangerous provocations.
Amidst these tensions, global oil prices surged following new US sanctions targeting Russian oil exports. Chinese and Indian refiners, heavily reliant on discounted Russian oil, scrambled to secure alternative supplies, adding to the volatility.
Additionally, Russia and Iran are set to deepen their strategic partnership, with Presidents Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian expected to sign a comprehensive pact covering trade, transport, and humanitarian cooperation.
Back in Ukraine, Zelensky announced the capture of North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia in the Kursk region. Offering their return in exchange for Ukrainian prisoners of war, Zelensky highlighted the growing involvement of foreign fighters in Russia’s faltering war effort.
As Ukraine braces for a harsh winter, its largest private energy firm, DTEK, has invested in energy storage systems to mitigate outages caused by Russian attacks. The systems will back up power stations, providing vital electricity to households in Kyiv and beyond.
