Ukraine Halts Russian Gas Supplies
Slovakia was the most affected
Since the dawn of January 1, due to Ukraine’s resistance, encouraged by the European Commission, Russian gas to Europe no longer passes through Ukraine. Russia’s Gazprom announced on the first day of the New Year that it “does not have the legal and technical means to pump gas after the Kiev government did not renew the transit contract.” Therefore, supply was suspended starting 8:00 (6:00 am in Italy).
The most affected European country is Slovakia, which no longer receives Russian gas through the pipeline. Slovakia’s reserves are currently 60% to 80% full, and fuel reserves will only be enough to meet the country’s energy needs until the end of the heating season. Kiev’s decision to “close the tap” will also affect Hungary and Serbia.
Moldova was also affected by the Ukrainian transit ban. However, Russian giant Gazprom has already said that supplies would still be interrupted in 2025 due to debts, estimated at about $710 million.
Slovakia strongly protested Kiev’s decision. Prime Minister Robert Fico (pictured), criticized by his political opponents for his pro-Russian stance, threatened to cut off electricity supplies from Slovakia to Ukraine.
