TheOldGuy @TheOldGuy@qoto.org
I am a Democrat who supports Ukraine in their battle against The Russian Z fascist invaders.
I am a 73 year old Covid hermit who
lives on 10 acres in a sparsely populated area of the Ozarks. I heat with wood that is leftover by the lumber industry. When cutting oak for lumber only the trunk is used.
The largest town is population 2992. The county is 13k people scattered over 713 square miles.
Joined Dec 2022
Fico’s Russian gas scare failed, writes Politico.
Kyiv’s refusal to renew the transit deal with the Kremlin did not lead to the disaster Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico had warned about. His attempt to keep purchasing Russian gas fell flat, sparking exaggerated claims of an energy crisis in Central Europe that ultimately proved unfounded.
Fico claimed the deal’s expiration would have “radical consequences” for the EU and even threatened to halt electricity exports to Kyiv in retaliation. He aligned with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to pressure Ukraine, but within days of the gas cutoff, forecasts of shortages proved false, and prices remained stable.
According to Gas Infrastructure Europe, Slovakia’s gas reserves are over three-quarters full—above the seasonal average—while Hungary’s stand at 68%. Austria and the Czech Republic, also previously reliant on Russian gas, have significant reserves.
Energy experts dismissed Fico’s warnings. Laurent Ruseckas of S&P Global stated, “There are no supply problems for Slovakia or neighboring countries like Austria and the Czech Republic. Storage is high, and there are plenty of alternatives.” Michal Kocurek of EGÚ echoed this, noting that the perceived risk traders used to manipulate prices is now gone. “Slovakia is well supplied, and prices in the EU market are falling,” he added.
Many suspect Fico’s crisis narrative was more about protecting profits from Russian gas transit. Economist Vladimir Voño of GLOBSEC pointed out that Slovakia had been preparing for this scenario for a long time, making Fico’s warnings dubious.
Although Slovakia may see a slight increase in energy bills, traders had already accounted for the deal’s termination. Germany’s decision to waive transit fees for gas delivered to Central Europe further cushioned the impact. However, Slovakia stands to lose millions in transit revenues, and Fico’s direct talks with Putin in Moscow have isolated him further from EU leaders.
Ultimately, Politico concludes, Fico’s gambit backfired, undermining his leverage over Ukraine and deepening tensions with the EU.
Hungary Loses €1 Billion in EU Funds Over Democratic Standards
Hungary has forfeited €1 billion in European Union funds due to its failure to meet democratic standards, including violations of the rule of law and delays in critical reforms.
The reforms, which were to be completed by the end of 2024, included measures to prevent conflicts of interest and strengthen anti-corruption efforts.
In total, the EU is withholding approximately €19 billion from Hungary, citing additional concerns over human rights, refugee policies, and other EU standards.
✈️ First batch of Mirage 2000-5F
jets to arrive in Ukraine by January 20, 2025
France will deliver three Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine by January 20. This initial shipment will include three aircraft equipped with new technology for air-to-ground combat and protection against electronic warfare.
▪️The Mirage 2000 is a fourth-generation multirole fighter jet developed by Dassault Aviation. Introduced in the early 1980s, it has been widely used by various countries. The aircraft is renowned for its maneuverability and effectiveness in diverse combat missions.
🪐 Subscribe to Live: Ukraine
🇸🇰🇺🇦Ukraine to receive electricity from Slovakia despite PM Robert Fico’s threats, says Slovak state operator SEPS
SEPS emphasized that the company will honor contracts signed with Ukrenergo. This includes an agreement allowing SEPS to supply up to 150 megawatts of electricity to Ukraine’s power grid as part of emergency assistance. This contract was extended for 12 months in spring last year.
▪️ On January 1, Ukraine halted the transit of Russian gas to Europe, including Slovakia. In response, Fico threatened to limit aid to Ukraine and cease electricity supplies.
🪐 Subscribe to Live: Ukraine
🇸🇰In Slovakia’s capital, several thousand people took to the streets to protest against Prime Minister Robert Fico’s pro-Russian policies
Protesters held signs with slogans like “We are not a Russian puppet,” “We are Europe,” and “Fico, go to Moscow, leave Slovakia alone.” Around 4,000 people attended the demonstration, waving EU and Slovak flags.
I am a Democrat who supports Ukraine in their battle against The Russian Z fascist invaders.
I am a 73 year old Covid hermit who
lives on 10 acres in a sparsely populated area of the Ozarks. I heat with wood that is leftover by the lumber industry. When cutting oak for lumber only the trunk is used.
The largest town is population 2992. The county is 13k people scattered over 713 square miles.
Joined Dec 2022
TheOldGuy's choices:
