LIVE | Orban and Fico Align with Putin on Energy, Bash Zelensky Igniting EU Rift

Slovakia has resumed Russian natural gas imports via the Turkish Stream pipeline, bypassing Ukraine’s transit routes in a move that underscores growing regional energy shifts. The decision, confirmed by Slovak gas company SPP’s chairman Vojtech Ferenc, follows Ukraine’s unilateral halt of Russian gas transit earlier this year, which disrupted supplies across several EU states. Hungary played a key role in enabling Slovakia’s new supply route, strengthening bilateral energy ties while challenging Brussels’ push to cut reliance on Moscow. Prime Minister Robert Fico has strongly criticized Ukraine’s decision, signaling a shift in Slovakia’s foreign policy that could include withdrawing humanitarian aid to Kyiv. With gas deliveries set to double by April under Slovakia’s long-term Gazprom contract, this move marks a deepening East-West divide within the EU over energy security and geopolitical allegiances.