Source: Fico on Facebook following his meeting with Putin
Direct quote: "The EU leaders were informed about my trip and its purpose on Friday. My meeting today was a response to a statement made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who answered my question on Thursday by saying that he opposes any gas transit through Ukraine to our territory.
Furthermore, the Ukrainian president advocates for sanctions against the Russian nuclear program. Such a position inflicts financial damage on Slovakia and jeopardizes electricity production at Slovakia's nuclear power plants, which is unacceptable."
Details: The Slovak Prime Minister stated that Putin confirmed Russia's readiness to continue supplying gas to the West and Slovakia, "which is practically impossible after January 1, 2025, given the position of the Ukrainian president."
Fico added that during their lengthy conversation, he and Putin "exchanged views on the military situation in Ukraine, the possibility of an early peaceful resolution to the war," as well as on the relations between Slovakia and Russia.
What preceded: It was previously reported that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was in the Kremlin on December 22 for negotiations with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
The talks between Fico and Putin concluded without joint statements for the press.
Background:
- The contract between Ukraine and Russia for gas transit expires on January 1, 2025. Ukraine has stated that it does not plan to extend the contract.
- Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed in a conversation with the Slovak Prime Minister that Kyiv rules out extending the transit agreement with Gazprom, but noted that Ukraine is open to transporting gas through its gas transportation system if it is not from Russia.
- Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine does not consider renewing the agreement with Gazprom for the transit of Russian gas to Europe and made it clear that Kyiv would not agree to transport Russian gas disguised as Azerbaijani gas.
- The European Union has already prepared for a halt in transit. The share of Russian gas in Europe has decreased to 6%, and the proportion of Russian gas passing through Ukraine has dropped to 4%.
- On December 20, Fico stated that Slovakia faces a "gas crisis" due to Zelensky. The day before, Slovak media reported that Fico discussed gas transit with Zelensky. According to him, Zelensky ruled out any possibility of Ukraine transiting gas.