The Russian dictator Vladimir Putin assured Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico that Gazprom will find alternative routes for gas supplies to Slovakia following the cessation of transit through Ukraine.
This was reported by Reuters.
It is noted that Fico met with Putin in Moscow on December 22, 2024, where they discussed Ukraine's decision to stop the transit of Russian gas starting January 1.
I talked with Putin about the contract between Slovakia and Gazprom, which specifies that the Russian side must ensure gas supplies. We can deliver gas through the Turkish Stream. However, at present, our gas storage facilities meet the country's needs, Fico stated during a parliamentary committee meeting.
According to the Prime Minister, Putin guaranteed the fulfillment of Russia's obligations, although the capacity of the Turkish Stream and other routes through Turkey is limited. Additionally, part of the supply could be routed through the networks of Western Europe, utilizing Slovakia's pipeline connections with neighboring Central and Western European countries.
As Reuters reports, the cessation of gas transit through Ukraine has not led to a shortage in Europe. EU leaders previously indicated that extending the gas agreement between Russia and Ukraine is not necessary, as countries have access to alternative energy supply sources.