Slovakia may cut refugee support in response to gas transit dispute
Photo: Robert Fico, Prime Minister of Slovakia (Getty Images)
Slovakia may not only suspend electricity exports to Ukraine but also significantly reduce support for Ukrainian refugees. This is how it will respond to the cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukrainian territory, stated Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, according to Dennik N.
Fico acknowledged that after halting Russian gas flows through Ukraine, there are no threats to Slovak households. However, he said his country is losing €500 million annually in gas transit revenues.
The Slovak PM confirmed media reports of a meeting between Slovak, Ukrainian, and EU Commission representatives scheduled for Tuesday, January 7, to discuss the transit halt. Fico said Slovakia requested Brussels-based negotiations because Ukraine "had the gall" to complain about Bratislava’s response measures.
Following this, Fico plans to convene a coalition council and the government.
"On behalf of Smer (the ruling party – ed.), I declare that we are prepared to negotiate and reach agreements within the coalition regarding the suspension of electricity supplies and a significant reduction in support for Ukrainian citizens residing in the Slovak Republic," Fico said.
Fico's threats
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has repeatedly complained about Ukraine's decision to halt the transit of Russian gas. He attempted to persuade Ukraine to resume the supply, but Kyiv refused.
Following this, Fico began issuing threats, stating that his country could halt electricity exports to Ukraine. This statement came amid significant damage to Ukraine’s energy system due to Russian attacks, making the supply of electricity to civilians heavily reliant on imports.
Commenting on Fico's threats, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested that Fico may have received directives from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
