Despite EU efforts to reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels, Slovakia remains reliant on Russian gas under a long-term contract with Russia's state-owned energy giant Gazprom. Switching to alternative supply routes could cost Slovakia an additional €220 million ($229 million) in transit fees.

By Albin Sybera in Bratislava Russian gas flows via the Brotherhood pipeline across Ukraine will end at midnight on December 31, cutting the last operating direct pipeline link from Russia to the West.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico urged the European Commission to address the looming halt of Russian gas transit through Ukraine, saying the economic impact on the European Union will far outweigh the effect on Russia.

Slovakia will consider reciprocal measures against Ukraine such as halting back-up electricity supplies after Jan. 1 if Kyiv, as expected, stops the transit of Russian gas to Slovakia, Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Friday.

Czechia is ready to help Slovakia ensure stable gas supplies. Prague can offer this assistance once Ukraine halts the transit of Russian gas, states the Czech Minister of Industry, Lukas Vlcek, according to Reuters.

Robert Fico criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s decision to end Russian gas transit in 2025, calling it “irrational and wrong” and warning it would lead to tension and retaliatory measures.