**Slovakia to Keep Supplying Electricity to Ukraine**
Despite threats from Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, the country‘s state-controlled transmission system operator SEPS will continue supplying electricity to Ukraine. This decision was made despite Fico’s warning that his government would consider halting electricity supplies to Ukraine after a deal to transit Russian gas to Europe through Ukraine expired.
**Ukraine’s Energy Needs**
Due to Russia’s ongoing attacks on its energy system, Ukraine has been looking for help from neighboring countries. Slovakia is one of the countries that have agreed to supply additional electricity to Ukraine. SEPS will keep cooperating with Ukraine’s state-owned energy company Ukrenergo under a valid contract.
**Electricity Supply Details**
The contract allows Slovakia to supply up to 150 megawatts of electricity to Ukraine for emergency assistance. SEPS has also committed to ensuring the cross-border electricity transmission on “standard terms.” In the first 11 months of last year, net electricity exports from Slovakia to Ukraine reached 2.43 terawatt-hours.
**Slovakia’s Shift in Policy**
Slovakia had been a strong supporter of Ukraine before Prime Minister Fico took office. However, his government has initiated a policy reversal, halting weapons deliveries to Ukraine and adopting rhetoric that blames the West for Russia’s war. Fico has also faced criticism for his close ties with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is known for his friendly attitude towards Russian President Vladimir Putin.
**What’s Next**
It remains to be seen how Slovakia’s decision will affect its relations with Ukraine. The country’s former Economy Minister Karel Hirman had warned that stopping electricity supplies to Ukraine would draw Slovakia into a conflict within the European Union.