Ukraine will not compromise on Russian gas transit to appease Fico, Ukraine’s foreign minister says
Pravda Ukraine
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has stated that Kyiv will not consider concessions to Bratislava or agree to resume the gas transit deal with Gazprom to ease relations with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Source: Sybiha in an interview with European Pravda
Details: Asked whether Ukraine could reinstate the transit of Russian gas given its role in the dispute with Fico, who has a vote on EU and NATO decisions on Ukraine, Sybiha firmly dismissed the possibility.
Quote: “Gas transit ended on 1 January, as Ukraine has repeatedly communicated at the highest levels, and there are no plans to resume it. We informed our European partners of our position [at the EU summit], and it remains unchanged.”
Details: Sybiha emphasised that the relationship between Ukraine and Slovakia extends beyond the gas issue and suggested that enduring a challenging period in relations is preferable to allowing Slovakia’s dependence on Russian gas to persist.
Quote: “It’s no secret that Russia uses energy as a weapon. Decisions that may seem painful now will ultimately play a positive role. Dependence on Russia for gas never ends well – we have experienced this and we know the price Russia eventually demands, which sometimes costs part of one’s sovereignty. This is why good neighbourly relations exist: to call things by their names.”
More details: Sybiha cited Austria as an example, noting that despite initial challenges, the country found alternative suppliers and is no longer reliant on Russian gas.
When asked whether Slovakia’s opposition could block Ukraine’s progress in EU accession talks, Sybiha urged trust in diplomacy.
Quote: “Ukraine’s movement towards the EU must not be shaped by misunderstandings, and we will respond decisively if this occurs. This is unacceptable, not only from Slovakia, but from any country.
Nations should not abuse their status as an EU or NATO member, connecting such decisions to temporary issues that will be overcome. After all, these countries have walked this path before and bear their own painful scars.”
Background:
- The cessation of the transit of Russian gas via Ukraine has been a significant point of contention between the Ukrainian and Slovak leaders.
- Recently, Fico harshly criticised Ukraine, calling it an unreliable partner and accusing President Zelenskyy of “begging” and “blackmailing” during his visits across Europe.
Support UP or become our patron!