'Russian Gas Supply Cut' Slovakia-Ukraine Conflict Intensifies

Complete Shutdown of Gas Pipelines to Europe from the 1st
Slovakia Announces Strong Retaliatory Measures

As Ukraine has completely cut off the transportation of Russian natural gas that was exported to Europe via its territory, diplomatic friction with Eastern European countries is spreading, and the conflict between Slovakia and Ukraine over the supply cut of Russian natural gas is gradually intensifying.

The Velke Kapusany gas pipeline located in the border area between Slovakia and Ukraine. Photo by AFP and Yonhap News

According to the dpa news agency on the 30th (local time), the Slovak Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Ukrainian ambassador stationed in Slovakia to strongly protest. In a statement, the ministry expressed strong dissatisfaction, saying, "The remarks by Ukrainian officials are interference in Slovakia's internal affairs."

This was a response to Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticizing Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on the 28th, which further escalated diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

At that time, Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "Prime Minister Fico is trying to blame Ukraine for the loss of trust within Slovakia and the protests against the pro-Russian line," and "He and the leaders of the Slovak parliament are influenced by Russian propaganda."

This conflict originated from Ukraine's suspension of Russian natural gas supply passing through its gas pipelines starting from the 1st of this month. In response, Prime Minister Fico declared strong retaliatory measures, citing damage to Slovakia's economy.

He has taken a confrontational stance with EU and NATO member countries, including stopping weapons support to Ukraine and opposing the extension of sanctions against Russia. Notably, last month he visited Russia and held talks with President Vladimir Putin, strengthening his pro-Russian stance.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also strongly criticized Prime Minister Fico. He pointed out, "Fico's refusal to purchase American gas means he prefers Russia over the United States and Western allies."

Earlier, on the 24th, when a large-scale protest condemning Prime Minister Fico occurred in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, President Zelensky publicly supported the protesters by posting on social media, "Bratislava is not Moscow. Slovakia is Europe."