Slovakia seeks Türkiye’s help to secure Russian gas amid Ukraine transit halt

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico met with Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to explore options for securing Russian gas supplies, following the halt of gas flows through Ukraine earlier this year.

The talks, held in Ankara, focused on alternative routes and the involvement of Türkiye to facilitate discussions with Moscow.

Türkiye to mediate between Slovakia and Russia

Erdogan expressed Türkiye’s willingness to assist in resolving Slovakia’s energy challenges, stating, “Let’s take a step,” during a joint press conference. He announced plans for Türkiye’s foreign minister to engage with their Russian counterpart while Erdogan himself would speak with President Vladimir Putin to explore solutions. “Let’s reach a conclusion on Slovakia’s natural gas needs,” Erdogan added.

Fico, whose country still has a long-term gas contract with Russia’s Gazprom, highlighted the potential of using the TurkStream pipeline, connecting to Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary, as an alternative route.

However, details about gas volumes or logistical arrangements were not disclosed.

Criticism of Ukraine transit halt

Fico criticized Ukraine’s decision to cease gas transit, calling it harmful to both Slovakia and the European Union. “I criticize the decision to halt Ukraine’s transit gas. This decision has harmed the Slovak Republic and the entire European Union,” he stated.

Fico also expressed concerns over what he described as military aggression stemming from the transit disruption, condemning an attack he attributed to Ukraine on Russian infrastructure.

Next steps for negotiations

The Slovak prime minister announced plans for Slovakia’s economy minister to visit Türkiye next week to advance discussions. He emphasized the need for Russian involvement, saying, “Russian partners need to get involved and confirm if they are prepared to increase the volume of this gas to reach Slovak territory.”

Fico also reiterated his call for a ceasefire in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, expressing hope for comprehensive discussions on energy security across Europe following a cessation of hostilities.

Balancing energy needs and peace efforts

Fico underscored the importance of balancing Slovakia’s energy security with broader European interests. “We hope energy security will be addressed comprehensively in Europe, keeping in mind the interests of member states and the EU as a whole,” he said.

Fico called for pragmatic solutions to the conflict, urging major global players, including Türkiye, to contribute to peace efforts. “Peace has nearly become a forgotten word in the EU’s literature,” he noted, advocating for a more realistic approach to negotiations.