Slovakia’s Prime Minister Threatens to Cut Support for Ukrainian Refugees Amid Gas Supply Dispute
In a significant escalation of tensions between Slovakia and Ukraine, Prime Minister Robert Fico has announced plans to reduce financial assistance for over 130,000 Ukrainian refugees amid a growing conflict over Russian gas supplies.
As of January 1, Ukraine has shut down a vital pipeline that has historically supplied Central Europe with Russian natural gas, a move that Slovakia believes may cost the country millions in lost transit fees.
Recent estimates from the UN’s refugee agency indicated that Slovakia is home to approximately 130,530 Ukrainian refugees, out of a global total of 6,813,900.
Fico described Ukraine’s pipeline closure as "sabotage" and expressed intentions to propose significant changes to Slovakia’s energy exports to Ukraine, including halting electricity supplies and cutting financial aid for refugees. He reassured the public that Slovakia would not face gas shortages, having secured alternative arrangements.
However, Fico warned that the shutdown would result in Slovakia losing around €500 million in transit fees from gas exports to other nations. He emphasized his party’s readiness to discuss the implications of electricity supply reductions and the adjustment of support for Ukrainian refugees.
"The only feasible solution for a sovereign Slovakia is to renew gas transit or seek compensation mechanisms to offset losses in public finances," he stated.
This dispute has drawn sharp criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who accused Fico of aiding Russia’s military efforts and thereby exacerbating the suffering of Ukrainians. Zelensky condemned these actions as detrimental to Ukraine’s interests.
In response to the potential electricity cut-off, Poland has pledged to support Ukraine, highlighting the critical need for energy supplies as Ukrainian power infrastructure continues to suffer from Russian assaults. Poland’s government lauded the situation as yet another victory over Moscow, while the European Commission confirmed readiness to assist member states impacted by the changes.
Moldova, outside the EU, is already grappling with energy shortages as the geopolitical situation evolves, while Russia continues to maintain gas deliveries to Hungary, Turkey, and Serbia through the TurkStream pipeline.
