Slovak PM threatens to limit aid to Ukrainians in Slovakia over gas transit halt

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has stated that his government will discuss countermeasures in response to Ukraine's cessation of Russian gas transit.

Source: Fico in his address on Facebook, reported by European Pravda

Details: Fico described the halt of Russian gas transit through Ukraine to Slovakia as "Zelenskyy's sabotage", claiming that the move will cost Slovakia €500 million annually.

He confirmed that Slovak government representatives will address the gas transit issue in Brussels next Tuesday, 7 January.

The prime minister stated that the only solutions for Slovakia are either resuming gas transit or compensating for the "almost €500 million loss in public finances".

After the Brussels discussions, Fico plans to convene a coalition council meeting followed by a cabinet session, where coalition partners will deliberate on appropriate measures.

Quote: "On behalf of Smer-SD [Fico's party – ed.], I declare that we are ready to negotiate and agree within the coalition to halt electricity supplies and significantly reduce support for Ukrainian citizens residing in the Slovak Republic."

Background: 

• On 1 January, Ukraine cut off the transit of Russian gas, which had continued to supply several EU countries and the unrecognised republic of Transnistria in Moldova. 
• Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico sharply criticised Zelenskyy for these actions and sent a letter to EU leaders expressing dissatisfaction with Ukraine's decisions and threatening to halt Slovakia's electricity supplies.

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