On October 5, 2024, in a significant diplomatic move, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico emphasized Slovakia's support for Ukraine's European integration while urging the country to continue gas transit through its territory beyond the expiration of its agreement with Gazprom at the end of 2024.
Fico expressed concerns about potential gas supply issues for Slovakia, which relies on Ukrainian transit, starting in 2025. He plans to advocate for the retention of gas transit at an intergovernmental meeting on October 7, stating, 'We will persuade our Ukrainian partners to utilize their energy infrastructure for gas and oil imports to Europe... If Ukraine wishes to preserve this infrastructure, it must be used.'
He highlighted that maintaining gas transit would be mutually beneficial for both Slovakia and Ukraine, as it generates revenue from transit fees. Notably, Fico's remarks on 'preserving transit' carefully avoided mentioning Russian gas, reflecting a nuanced approach amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Fico has also indicated intentions to restore cooperation with Russia, contingent on the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine, and aims to continue purchasing Russian gas and oil while maintaining existing transit routes through Ukraine.