Europe in turmoil over Russian gas.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico made a surprise visit to Moscow on December 22nd and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with the main purpose reportedly being to renew the gas supply agreement.

According to Reuters, Russia's Gazprom has a five-year agreement to supply natural gas to European countries, including Slovakia, via the Druzhba pipeline through Ukraine. The agreement expires on December 31st, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared at last week's European Union (EU) summit that it would not be renewed due to Russia's military campaign in the country. Slovakia, an EU and NATO member, estimates that importing gas from other sources could cost an additional €220 million in transportation fees.

Austria stops buying, but Russian gas remains unsold.

The Kremlin only confirmed that Fico made a working visit to Moscow and held talks with President Putin. According to The Kyiv Independent , Prime Minister Fico said he discussed gas supplies, the Ukrainian conflict, and the standardization of Slovakia-Russia relations with President Putin. Fico stated that the meeting was a "response" to President Zelensky's refusal to renew the agreement. "President Putin confirmed his readiness to resume gas supplies to the West and Slovakia from January 1, 2025, which is practically impossible from the Ukrainian President's perspective," Fico wrote on Facebook after the meeting. On the other hand, Fico accused Ukraine of supporting sanctions against Russia's nuclear program, causing financial damage to Slovakia and threatening electricity production at his country's nuclear power plants.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on December 22.

Mr. Fico is the third EU leader to visit Russia since Moscow launched its military operation in Ukraine in February 2022, following Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The Slovak opposition called Mr. Fico's visit a "disgrace," but the prime minister claimed he had informed EU leaders in advance. After becoming prime minister in October 2023, Mr. Fico cut off Slovakia's military aid to Ukraine and vowed to prevent Kyiv from joining NATO. Like Hungarian Prime Minister Orban, Mr. Fico opposes sanctions and calls for peaceful dialogue with Russia. Both Slovakia and Hungary are dependent on Russian gas supplies despite EU efforts to diversify their sources since the conflict in Ukraine began.

Ukraine's decision to let the gas supply agreement expire has sparked collective opposition from the state-owned energy companies of Slovakia, Hungary, Italy, and Austria.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chau-au-luc-duc-vi-khi-dot-nga-185241223223738861.htm