Ronald Reagan’s wish came true this week. The last gas pipeline to Europe from Russia shut down. The 40th president’s political heir, Donald Trump, stands to reap the benefit.

Russia halts gas transit to the EU via Ukraine after the transit deal expires, sparking energy concerns and diplomatic tensions. Slovakia threatens electricity cuts to Ukraine, further escalating the dispute.

Ukraine has been accused of “sabotage” for cutting off Russian gas being piped to Europe. The move by Ukraine had been long expected. But Slovakia’s populist prime minister, Robert Fico, has reacted angrily and is now threatening to retaliate.

Prime Minister Robert Fico said in a video message that his Smer party would consider cutting electricity supplies to Ukraine, adding that a Slovak delegation would discuss the situation in Brussels next Tuesday.

Even while at war, Ukraine piped Russian gas to Europe. Moscow earned an estimated $5 billion in 2024, while Ukraine raked in up to $1 billion in fees.

The Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhgorod pipeline was built in the Soviet era to carry Siberian gas to European markets. It became the main conduit to Ukraine’s border with Slovakia from Siberia, passing through the town of Sudzha — which is now under the control of Ukrainian military forces — in Russia’s Kursk region.

Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko also says Kyiv can buy electricity from Romania and Poland if it loses supplies from Bratislava.

Ukraine, which had allowed Russian oil and gas to cross its territory to serve Europe while fighting Moscow’s invasion since 2022, refused to renew the deal.

Thousands of people gathered in the streets of Bratislava on Jan. 3 to protest Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's pro-Russian policies, the Slovak news outlet Aktuality reported. The demonstrations began less than two weeks after Fico visited Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow,

Russia stops gas transit to the EU via Ukraine, raising energy concerns. Slovakia may cut power to Ukraine amid escalating tensions.- Watch Video on English Oneindia

Leaders of the two countries have exchanged accusations and threats ahead of an anticipated halt to Russian gas flows via Ukraine