Moscow, December 21, 2024 – The Europe Today: Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that Ukrainian saboteurs have been detained in Slovakia while in possession of maps outlining the country’s gas infrastructure. Speaking at his annual end-of-year press conference on Thursday, Putin revealed that Russian intelligence services were the source of this information but refrained from disclosing further details. Slovakian authorities have yet to confirm the reported arrests.
During the press conference, Putin alleged that the detained individuals had engaged in terrorist activities within Russia and were now extending their operations to European countries.
“They feed from Europe’s hand and try to carry out terrorist attacks there,” he stated. “This is their choice, but ours is to focus on cooperation.” He added that Russian intelligence would seek clarification regarding the incident through established international channels.
Speculations have emerged that the alleged plot might involve the Russian Druzhba oil pipeline, which serves as a critical energy conduit for Russian and Kazakh oil to European consumers. The pipeline branches off into Belarus, with northern routes extending to Poland and Germany and southern routes supplying Ukraine, Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.
Hungary’s Magyar Nemzet newspaper recently reported that Hungarian national security authorities had launched an investigation into a potential sabotage plot earlier this month. According to the report, Slovakia’s authorities had informed Hungary’s Anti-Terrorism Center about the activities of an “organized group” conducting field surveys near the pipeline. These activities were suspected to be preparations for terrorist attacks on critical infrastructure.
Slovak Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok previously confirmed the expulsion of two individuals suspected of monitoring energy infrastructure, including major pipelines. The individuals were deported to Ukraine and Hungary, raising further concerns about the security of the region’s energy networks.
This development follows earlier reports, including a leaked Pentagon document cited by The Washington Post, that suggested Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had proposed targeting the Druzhba pipeline. Additionally, Bloomberg reported on potential EU plans to impose restrictions on Russian oil imports through the pipeline to Germany and Poland.
The situation coincides with the looming expiration of the gas transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine at the end of this year. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has warned of a potential gas crisis if Ukraine halts transit, emphasizing Slovakia’s dependence on this route. Fico also hinted at possible reciprocal measures against Ukraine should the agreement lapse.
As tensions rise over energy security and cross-border activities, the incident underscores the growing complexities surrounding European energy infrastructure and geopolitical stability.
