Slovakia warns Ukraine over gas transit, offers peace talks
The Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, has warned Ukraine about the possibility of cutting off electricity supplies if Kyiv halts the transit of Russian gas. Fico also suggested Slovakia as a venue for peace negotiations in the Ukrainian-Russian conflict.
The Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, has threatened Ukraine with cutting off electricity supplies if Kyiv ceases the transit of Russian gas to Slovakia after the New Year.
He emphasised that Slovakia might implement "reciprocal measures against Ukraine," citing the example of suspending electricity deliveries, which Ukraine urgently needs.
"After Jan. 1, we will assess the situation and the possibilities of reciprocal measures against Ukraine," said Fico in a video posted online on Friday afternoon. "If it is unavoidable, we will halt the electricity supplies that Ukraine needs during grid outages. Or we will agree on a different course of action," he added.
Fico wants to organise negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv
Fico also proposed that Slovakia host peace negotiations in the Ukrainian-Russian conflict. The Prime Minister of Slovakia stated that his country is ready to organise such talks and assured its hospitality. He discussed this topic with Vladimir Putin, who, as he conveyed, reacted positively to the proposal.
Prime Minister Fico also criticised the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, for rejecting a ceasefire, arguing that Ukraine is worsening its negotiating position. Fico announced visits to Turkey and the Vatican, where he will strive to help resolve the conflict in Ukraine.
