Stop of Russian Gas Transfer to Europe; Slovak Prime Minister Threatens Ukraine with Retaliation

The halt of Russian gas transfer to Europe through Ukrainian territory has caused problems for thousands in Moldova, while the Slovak Prime Minister has spoken of retaliatory measures against Kyiv. Robert Fico, the Slovak Prime Minister, stated on Thursday, August 4, that his coalition government would consider how to implement retaliatory actions. These may include reducing aid to Ukrainian refugees, cutting electricity exports to Ukraine, and requesting the resumption of the pipeline or compensation. Ukraine had long announced that it would not renew the old contract for the transfer of Russian gas through its territory. This gas transfer was halted on Wednesday, the first day of the new calendar year, and the Russian state-owned company Gazprom also announced the cessation of gas transfer operations through this pipeline to Europe. By not renewing this contract, Ukraine lost its transit rights, amounting to $800 million annually, while Russia's losses are estimated at $5 billion per year. Zelensky states that the end of Russian gas transfer is a significant defeat for Moscow. According to Reuters, Slovakia has alternative gas sources, but Robert Fico, who has ended military aid to Ukraine and is seeking warmer relations with Moscow, claims that the cessation of this pipeline will impose higher costs on Slovakia and also increase gas and electricity prices in Europe. The halt of Russian gas transfer through Ukraine has also caused problems in the Transnistria region of Moldova, where thousands of households are left without gas and hot water, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. The report states that Kyiv's decision will not have immediate consequences for many European countries as they have taken steps to reduce their dependence on Russian gas since the military invasion of Ukraine. However, it seems that Slovakia and Moldova are among the countries that remain dependent on Russian gas, and this decision will impact their conditions. The population of the Transnistria region of Moldova is estimated to be around 450,000. According to Radio Free Europe, many residents of this region, especially those living in apartment complexes, are left without gas and hot water. According to the municipality of Tiraspol, the center of Transnistria, the current gas reserves in this region are about 13 million cubic meters, which is sufficient for about 20 days and is mainly intended for hospitals and other public institutions.