Espreso. Global

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

27 December, 2024 Friday
16:14

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini will reconsider the possibility of visiting Ukraine, but only after gas transit negotiations for the country are concluded

client/title.list_title

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.

Tags:
Read also:
  • News
2025, Wednesday
5 February
15:00
OPINION
Ukraine needs elections, but war makes them impossible
14:43
21 Russian servicemen surrender to Ukrainian forces in Kursk region
14:26
UK Foreign Secretary Lammy visits Kyiv, announces $68M aid package for Ukraine
14:08
Exclusive
Ukraine's Khmelnytskyi risks halting energy security project without USAID funding — deputy mayor
13:50
OPINION
Does Trump have plan?
13:29
IAEA halts mission rotation at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant over Russian security risks
13:12
Putin only wants Ukraine’s next president to be anti-West — Zelenskyy
13:00
Updated
Russian ballistic missile strike on Ukraine’s Izyum kills 5, injures 59
12:56
Ukraine's Defense Ministry deploys robotic units in military brigades
12:48
Updated
Ukrainian forces target oil refinery in Russia's Krasnodar region, fire breaks out
12:37
Exclusive
Ukraine targets 30 Russian facilities in January — military expert Zgurets
12:15
OPINION
Exchanging Ukraine’s rare earth metals for U.S. military aid is solid deal. Column by Vitaly Portnikov
11:54
Russian conscription fails to offset battlefield losses — ISW
11:32
Review
Ukraine’s military reform: key goals, objectives. Serhiy Zgurets’ column
11:09
Ukrainian forces repel 35 Russian attacks near Pokrovsk, 12 in Kursk region on Feb. 4
10:31
Exclusive
Russia likely increases Shahed drone warhead to 90kg — Kharkiv official
10:13
Over 45,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed in war with Russia — Zelenskyy
09:55
Russia loses 1,140 soldiers, 52 artillery systems, 9 tanks in one day of war in Ukraine
2025, Tuesday
4 February
21:45
Gimli robotic complex joins Ukraine's army, aiding in evacuation and resupply
21:30
Exclusive
When could Ukraine hold elections after the war? Lawyer explains
21:12
Ryanair plans to resume flights to Lviv, Kyiv 4-6 weeks after war ends
20:57
Black Sea tankers wreck: IMO holds Russia responsible
20:40
"Don't let them drain resources": military commander reacts to Trump
20:23
Polish Military Institute of Armament Technology, Ukrainian NAUDI agree to cooperate
20:07
Exclusive
USAID funding freeze: Expert Riabtsev on potential risks for Ukraine’s energy sector
19:51
Exclusive
Trump's proposal to get rare metals from Ukraine is political move – analyst
19:35
"We are open to U.S. investments": Zelenskyy responds to Trump's statement on rare earth elements
19:08
Ukraine to introduce mandatory psychological aid training for doctors – First Lady
18:50
Exclusive
Ukrainian forces may have to withdraw from Chasiv Yar – military analyst
18:33
Von der Leyen urges EU to find "most creative way" to use Russian assets for Ukraine
18:15
Exclusive
Western weapons can now strike deep into Russia, but new problem emerges
17:54
U.S., Ukraine did not discuss elections before 2025 — Ambassador Markarova
17:34
Updated
"The situation is critical": IAEA chief visits key substations vital for Ukraine's nuclear power plants
17:14
Russian national hockey team banned from 2026 World Championship
16:55
Ukraine’s HIV response at risk amid U.S. aid freeze
16:33
Support for military aid to Ukraine declines in Poland
16:15
Russia equips Gerbera foam drones with warheads
15:56
Ukraine’s parliament approves defense loan agreement with UK
15:32
Ukrainian troops release GoPro footage of repelling Russian assault, eliminating two squads
15:14
OPINION
Ukraine’s power sector withstands winter challenges, but risks remain
More news