**Slovakia May Cut Aid to Ukrainian Refugees**
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said on January 2 that his country may reduce aid to Ukrainian refugees in response to Ukraine’s decision to stop Russian gas transit through its territory. This move comes after Ukraine terminated the transit agreement on January 1, citing its refusal to finance Russia‘s war.
Fico claimed that Slovakia will lose €500 million ($513 million) annually due to the halt in gas transit revenue. He stated that Slovak households will not face energy shortages but emphasized that his government is willing to negotiate and agree on cutting off electricity supplies and reducing support for Ukrainian citizens staying in Slovakia.
The decision follows previous threats by Fico to cut off electricity exports to Ukraine amid escalating blackouts caused by Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure. Representatives from Slovakia, Ukraine, and the European Commission will meet in Brussels on January 7 to discuss the shutdown, reportedly at Kyiv’s request.
Slovakia remains reliant on Russian gas due to a long-term contract with Russia’s state-owned energy giant Gazprom. Switching to alternative supply routes could cost an additional €220 million ($229 million) in transit fees.