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Kyiv may consider transit of Azerbaijani gas, but EU would rather prefer Russian — Fico

30 January 2025 23:17 (UTC +04:00)

Under external pressure, Volodymy Zelenskyy is beginning to consider the possibility of allowing gas from Azerbaijan to flow through Ukrainian land, but the resumption of Russian gas transit would be the best solution for Europe, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said, APA reports citing TA3.

"Under the colossal pressure that we are exerting on <...> Zelenskyy, Ukraine is beginning to entertain the possibility of transiting Azerbaijani gas via its territory," TA3 television quoted Fico as saying. "However, the resumption of Russian gas transit via Ukraine would be the solution that makes the most sense for Europe."

In his words, Zelenskyy’s decision to block Russian gas flows "has had catastrophic consequences, reflected in rising gas prices in Europe."

The prime minister went on to say that his country "at this point is having no problems" meeting domestic demand for gas. However, the Slovak government may find itself in a predicament later, when the time comes to refill its gas storage facilities for the year 2026. Besides, with the halt of transit, Slovakia has lost a significant source of government revenue in transit fees.

Fico also suggested that the resumption of Russian gas transit via Ukraine may be one of the terms included in the potential ceasefire deal between Moscow and Kyiv.