Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico makes threat to Ukraine.
Slovakia’s prime minister, Robert Fico, made threats against Ukraine on January 9. He said that Slovakia could stop giving aid to Ukraine and cut off electricity supplies. Fico also suggested using Slovakia’s power in the European Union to influence decisions about Ukraine.
Fico made these statements after meeting with EU officials in Brussels. This was because Ukraine had stopped allowing Russian gas to pass through its country on January 1. Slovakia had been getting some of its gas from Russia through Ukraine, but this is no longer possible.
Fico said that these measures would only be taken if Slovakia “has no other choice.” He also announced the formation of a working group with representatives from Slovakia, Ukraine, and the European Commission to try to find a solution to the problem.
A meeting between Slovak, Ukrainian, and EU officials was cancelled on January 7. This was because the Ukrainian energy minister had stayed in Ukraine to deal with important energy issues.
Hungary also opposes Ukraine’s decision to stop Russian gas transit. The Hungarian foreign minister said that this was “unacceptable”. Hungary has a lot of influence over Ukraine’s relationship with the European Union, and can block new member states from joining if it disagrees with them.
Slovakia gets most of its gas from Russia, and is bound by a long-term contract to do so. This makes it difficult for Slovakia to stop using Russian gas completely.
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