Zelenskyy responds to Slovak PM's threat to cut off electricity supply to Ukraine

Zelenskyy shared his comments on Telegram.

“It seems that Putin has instructed Fico to open a second energy front against Ukraine at the expense of the people of Slovakia,” Zelenskyy wrote. “This is the only way to understand Fico's threats to cut off Ukraine’s emergency electricity supply in the winter, especially with Russian strikes on our power plants and distribution networks.”

He explained that Ukraine needs to import electricity only because Russia captured the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and destroyed much of Ukraine's thermal and hydroelectric power generation.

Zelenskyy pointed out that “Fico's short-sighted policies have already left the people of Slovakia without compensation for the loss of Russian gas transit” and could cost Slovakia over $200 million annually in payments Ukraine makes for imported electricity.

“Third, it would be far more beneficial for everyone in Europe, and particularly for the people of Slovakia, to work together with neighbors and the EU to boost energy supplies, including gas from the U.S. and other partners. This is the only way to reduce energy prices for most people,” he added.

Zelenskyy also noted that Slovakia’s share of Ukraine's electricity imports is about 19%. Ukraine is collaborating with EU neighbors to ensure a steady supply of electricity. He stressed, however, that Fico “must respect European rules,” as Slovakia is part of the single European energy market.

“Any arbitrary decisions made in Bratislava or directives from Moscow to Fico regarding electricity will not stop electricity imports to Ukraine. However, they could lead to a rift between the current Slovak government and the European community,” Zelenskyy concluded.

• In a video message on December 27, Robert Fico threatened to stop supplying electricity to Ukraine on January 1 because Ukraine refused to transit Russian gas.