European leaders at a summit in Brussels on Thursday called for intensified discussions among EU authorities and Kyiv after Russian gas transit was halted, under pressure from Slovakia. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico insisted on mentioning Ukraine's gas transit in the conclusions, threatening to block the statement otherwise.
The EU leaders urged all parties to enhance efforts to find solutions to the gas transit issue, considering Slovakia's concerns. They omitted a reference to the "resumption" of flows from an earlier draft. The European Commission has expressed disinterest in perpetuating Russian gas transit through Ukraine, promoting alternative sources due to past conflicts with Russia.
Though the inclusion of the transit reference was not seen as a policy shift, it acknowledged Slovakia's worries. Ukraine ceased gas transit after refusing to renew an agreement with Moscow to cut off revenue supporting Russia's invasion efforts. Slovakia faced disruptions in its gas transit business and sought new supply routes due to the halt, which impacted prices and the EU's competitiveness.
Despite Fico's opposition to providing military aid to Ukraine, disputing with President Zelenskiy over the transit matter, Slovakia maintained dialogue with EU officials. Ukraine, facing increased gas imports due to severe weather, has been subjected to missile attacks on its gas infrastructure by Russia, worsening the situation.
Fico criticized Ukraine for purchasing Russian gas from Europe, deeming the circumstances unreasonable.