Slovak President says he would visit Ukraine only after gas transit issue resolved

He stated this in an interview with Správy RTVS.

Pellegrini emphasized that energy security plays a key role in the interstate relations between Ukraine and Slovakia. 

He will wait for the completion of negotiations regarding gas transit for Slovakia and other important issues. According to him, he will also monitor the course of the Russian war against Ukraine in the coming weeks and months.

"Then, next year, we will reassess the possibility of my visit to Ukraine," said the President of Slovakia.

The outlet notes that as President of Slovakia, Pellegrini has met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy twice, though neither of the meetings took place on Ukrainian territory.

The Slovak president stressed that stability in the gas sector is crucial for further development of relations between the two countries, as Slovakia depends on the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine.

Gas transit controversy

In October, European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson stated that the EU was ready to terminate the contract between Naftogaz and Gazprom for the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine by the end of the year.

In response, Fico announced that Slovakia would hold a series of negotiations to ensure the continued supply of Russian gas through Ukraine after the current transit contract ends.

The Slovak Prime Minister also discussed gas supply options through Ukraine with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine would not transit Russian gas through its territory to prevent additional revenue for Russia. He also outlined the conditions under which Ukraine would consider gas transit to Europe. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that Ukraine would halt the transit of Russian gas starting January 1.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić confirmed that on Monday, December 23, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico would meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin amid Ukraine's refusal to continue gas transit through its territory.