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Slovakia's Fico to discuss gas transit with European Commission on Thursday

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has looked for the resumption of Russian gas transit through Ukraine, will go over the issue with European Commission authorities on Thursday, his workplace stated on Tuesday.

The Kremlin stated it favoured a resumption of transit through Ukraine, which has actually refused to renew a contract to enable it on grounds it helps fund Russia's war against Kyiv. Transit through Ukraine has actually been a recognized route for sending supplies to Slovakia, Austria and ex-Soviet Moldova.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy scolded Fico for trying to secure new supplies from Moscow rather of from Western countries.

Fico satisfied Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin last month to talk about gas flows to his nation.

Slovakia has actually invited a European Commission statement on continuing talks with Ukraine on the possible renewal of gas transit, adding that it now saw the option of shipping gas from Azerbaijan as being back on the table.

Slovakia and Hungary have actually been pushing the EU to step in to bring back the circulation of gas to them through a significant pipeline.

Hungary said on Monday it had gotten warranties from the Commission to protect its energy supply, something it explained as a prerequisite for Budapest consenting to restore EU sanctions on Russia.

Kremlin representative Dmitry Peskov stated the concern was one of commerce and Russia has an interest in continuing this commerce.

We have an interest in offering our items, specifically because they are not just more competitive compared to American melted gas, however they are far more helpful for European buyers.

U.S. President Donald Trump last week raised the previous U.S. administration's freeze on export authorizations, a relocation likely to strengthen U.S. energy production.

Zelenskiy, writing on Telegram, invited Trump's move, explaining it as just what is required for security and stability - more energy resources from our partners for Europe.

Cash is needed to pay for U.S. LNG, while for Russian gas one pays with money and with self-reliance and sovereignty, Zelenskiy composed. However not Mr Fico. He selects Moscow instead of America and other partners who can provide his country with gas on a business basis. And that is his error.

Zelenskiy and Fico have traded verbal barbs over Fico's quote to bring back Russian gas flows through Ukraine.

Fico has threatened to cut emergency situation electrical power materials to Ukraine, reduce help for its refugees in Slovakia or use its veto right on European Union decisions connecting to Kyiv.

Zelenskiy hosted a Slovak opposition leader in Kyiv and supported protesters knocking Fico's policy tilt towards Russia.

(source: Reuters)