The European Union would prefer to cut off Slovakia and Hungary from accessing energy than to “cave” to Russia. Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia paid a visit to Russian President Vladamir Putin to discuss the matter as tensions between EU nations heat up over the energy scandal.
Hungary and Slovakia are exempt from the EU ban on Russian crude oil. These landlocked neighbors are to receive oil through the Druzhba pipeline, but Ukraine has prevented these nations from receiving shipments. Lukoil may be the main supplier using this line, but Russneft, Tatneft, and Gazprom also utilize this line, leading Ukraine to intervene. Hungary was blocking aid to Ukraine as a result, but Brussels repeatedly told Hungary that it was wrong. Slovakia would like to continue receiving Russian gas through Ukraine, noting that alternative routes would cost over 500 million euros in additional fees. Yet, the EU and Ukraine would prefer to starve these nations of energy than to permit them to use Russian oil.
Russian gas composed 40% of the EU’s supply, down to only 10% as of 2023. Slovakia and Hungary, however, rely more heavily on imported gas from Russia. “Slovakia is part of the single European energy market and Fico must respect common European rules,” Zelensky stated, claiming that Putin gave Fico the orders to “open a second energy front” against Ukraine.
Fico has threatened to cut off emergency power supplies to Ukraine if they blocked their ability to access Russian energy. The current standing transit deal is due to expire, and Zelensky does not care if other nations suffer as a result. Zelensky said he will not renew the contract or work with Moscow in any capacity. Brussels also does not care, which is precisely why the EU is beginning to crack.
Why should Slovakia continue sending endless aid to Ukraine when Zelensky is causing its people to suffer needlessly? Zelensky is not a diplomat but a dictator, as are the unelected officials in Brussels. Fico offered to aid in peace talks, but of course, he logically knows that is not an option. This single issue is causing EU nations to break with Brussels in favor of Moscow, as Putin now appears to be the only reasonable leader with their interests in mind.
