Zelensky: Fico's threats won't leave Ukraine without electricity, but they could certainly cut the Slovak government off from EU support.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to the threats made by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico the day before, stating that the country would stop importing electricity to Ukraine if Kyiv does not continue the transit of Russian gas after January 1.

“It seems that Putin has tasked Fico with opening a second energy front against Ukraine at the expense of the Slovak people's interests. This is the only interpretation of Fico's threats to cut off emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine during the winter amid Russian strikes on our power plants and distribution networks,” – wrote Zelensky on social media.

He emphasized that Ukraine's need for electricity imports arose solely due to Russia’s occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and targeted strikes on the Ukrainian energy sector.

“We remind Fico that, firstly, supporting criminal Russian aggression is utterly immoral.

Secondly, Fico's short-sighted policy has already left the Slovak people without compensation for the loss of Russian gas transit, and it may also deprive them of an additional $200 million annually, which Ukraine pays for imported electricity. Yes, importing electricity to save lives is not without cost, and it represents significant funds,” – noted the president.

“Thirdly, it would be more beneficial for everyone in Europe and, in particular, for the Slovak people to collaborate with neighbors and the EU to increase energy resource supplies to Europe, including gas from the USA and other partners, as this is the only way to reduce energy prices for most families,” – asserted Zelensky.

According to him, Slovakia's share in electricity imports to Ukraine is about 19%.

The head of state assured that the Ukrainian government is working with our neighbors in the EU to maintain the necessary volume of electricity supplies for Ukrainians.

“Any arbitrary decisions in Bratislava or orders from Moscow to Fico regarding electricity will not halt the import of electricity to Ukraine, but they could certainly lead to a rupture between the current Slovak government and the European community,” – emphasized the President of Ukraine.

Background. It is worth noting that Alexander Kharchenko, director of the Energy Research Center, and sources in the industry explained how serious Fico's threats are and whether they will affect the energy security of Ukrainians.