Slovakia Weighs Retaliation in Gas Dispute with Ukraine

Slovakia's Prime Minister, Robert Fico, announced that his government is exploring retaliatory measures against Ukraine, following its halt of Russian gas flows through Slovak territory. The move has financial implications for Slovakia, which may respond by reducing electricity supplies to Ukraine and lowering refugee aid.

In a significant geopolitical development, Slovakia is gearing up to discuss potential retaliatory strategies against Ukraine, as revealed by Prime Minister Robert Fico. This move follows Ukraine's cessation of Russian gas flows through its territory to Slovakia, an action that has stirred economic and political ripples.

Prime Minister Fico, showcasing his stance through a Facebook message, stated that Slovakia's Smer party might entertain drastic measures. These include slashing electricity supplies to Ukraine, curtailing aid to Ukrainian refugees, and demanding compensation for economic detriments attributed to the cutoff of Russian gas flows.

With the cessation marking the close of Russia's long-held energy dominance in Europe, Slovakia, despite having alternative gas sources, faces financial repercussions. Fico underlined the looming financial strain, citing elevated transit fees and increased gas and power prices. He labeled Ukraine's stoppage as 'sabotage' by President Zelenskiy, and emphasized Slovakia's resolve to negotiate compensation or restore gas transit for remedying a 500 million euro loss.

(With inputs from agencies.)