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Kyiv's year-end: Damascus talks and a Slovak energy row
Summary
On the last day of 2024, Ukraine faced a dispute with Slovakia over oil transit and electricity while recent Russian strikes on energy sites were still fresh.
What was Ukraine confronting as 2024 ended? On 31 December 2024, the picture combined a widening energy argument with a neighbour, the aftermath of Russian strikes on its power system, and an unexpected diplomatic opening in the Middle East.
A dispute over oil transit
On 28 December, Slovakia threatened reciprocal measures against Ukraine's plans to suspend the transit of Russian oil to Slovakia from 1 January. The measures Bratislava floated included suspending electricity supplies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded by accusing Slovakia of opening a "second energy front" against Kyiv under Moscow's orders.
The quarrel had a longer backdrop. As later described, it grew out of Ukraine's decision on 24 June 2024 to tighten sanctions on Lukoil, Russia's largest private oil firm. The step included a ban on Lukoil oil supplies and the reassignment of its contractual obligations to supply Hungary and Slovakia through the Druzhba pipeline to other companies. Officials in Hungary and Slovakia complained of a possible energy crisis, while the European Commission, after examining the situation, saw no reason for concern.
Power cuts still fresh
The row came days after Russian ballistic missile and drone strikes on 25 December hit critical energy infrastructure in cities across Ukraine. At least two people were killed and 20 injured, and emergency blackouts spread. Zelenskyy condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin for what he called "inhumane" attacks.
A new line to Damascus
On 30 December, Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha met Syria's de-facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Damascus. The two countries re-established diplomatic relations. Syria said it hoped to form a "strategic partnership" with Ukraine, and Ukraine vowed to send additional food aid to Syria.
Taken together, the developments showed Kyiv handling pressure on its energy system and a tense relationship with a neighbour while also seeking new diplomatic ties as the year closed.
