Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico expressed concern about possible problems with the supply of Russian gas and oil through the territory of Ukraine after 2025. Currently, energy resources are arriving in the planned volumes, but the situation may change, Fico warned interview for the Slovak publication actuality.sk.
“Gas and oil in the required volumes, which are planned, are coming. The negotiations are going very intensively. But I do not rule out that we may get into a period in early 2025 when there will be such problems.”, – said the prime minister.
Fico emphasized that at the upcoming joint meeting of the governments of Ukraine and Slovakia, which will be held on October 7, he plans to convince the Ukrainian side of the importance of preserving the transit of energy resources through their country.
“We want to convince Ukraine of the need for transit. Both Ukraine and Slovakia have built energy infrastructure for the transit of oil and gas.”, he noted.
According to Fizo, stopping transit would be illogical for both sides. He insists that any sensible solution involves the continued use of existing pipelines. In addition, Ukraine itself may need Ukrainian energy infrastructure to transport its own gas to the West.
“Ukraine, for example, reports that it has its own gas reserves and that in the short term it can use it not only for domestic consumption, but also for export to the West. But it can only be delivered there through the existing infrastructure. If it wants to preserve this infrastructure , she has to use it”, he added.
Fico also confirmed Ukraine’s support on the way to joining the EU, stressing the importance of “normal and reasonable behavior” on the part of Ukraine in the context of energy cooperation.
“Both Slovakia and Ukraine will benefit from this, as transit and transit fees are paid”, — concluded the prime minister.
