Slovak prime minister threatens to cut support for Ukrainian refugees after Kyiv halts gas transit

Slovakia’s ruling Direction – Social Democracy party is prepared to discuss “significantly reducing” subsidies for Ukrainians living in the country, Prime Minister Robert Fico said.

Fico’s remarks came in response to Kyiv’s decision to stop Russian gas transit through Ukrainian territory as of January 1, 2025.

Fico accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of “sabotage,” alleging that he is “deliberately causing harm” and undermining the finances of Slovakia and the European Union. Fico estimated that Slovakia stands to lose 500 million euros annually in transit fees.

He also threatened to cut electricity supplies to Ukraine.

On January 7, a Slovak government delegation is set to join discussions in Brussels over the gas transit halt. Following those talks, Fico plans to convene a coalition council and a government meeting to discuss potential measures against Kyiv.

Russian gas supplies to Europe via Ukraine were halted at 8 a.m. Moscow time on January 1 after the expiration of the transit agreement. Before then, Russian gas was only flowing to three E.U. countries: Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary.

The halt, which Kyiv had warned about in advance, has led to tensions between Slovakia and Ukraine. On December 22, Fico traveled to Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a visit Zelensky condemned.