Slovak prime minister warns Kyiv, offers peace talks venue
The Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, warned Ukraine about the potential halt of electricity supplies if Kyiv stops the transit of Russian gas. Fico also suggested Slovakia could serve as a venue for peace negotiations in the Ukrainian-Russian conflict.
Robert Fico, the Prime Minister of Slovakia, threatened Ukraine with cutting off electricity supplies if Kyiv ceases the transit of Russian gas to Slovakia after the New Year.
He highlighted that Slovakia might take "reciprocal measures against Ukraine," with one such measure being the suspension of electricity deliveries that Ukraine critically needs.
"After Jan. 1, we will assess the situation and the possibilities of reciprocal measures against Ukraine," Fico stated in a video posted online Friday afternoon Eastern Time. "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 organize negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv
Fico proposed that Slovakia host peace talks in the Ukrainian-Russian conflict. The Prime Minister stated that his country is prepared to organize such discussions and assured of its hospitality. He discussed this matter with Vladimir Putin, who, according to Fico, reacted positively to the suggestion.
Prime Minister Fico also criticized the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, for rejecting a ceasefire, arguing that Ukraine is worsening its negotiating position. Fico announced upcoming visits to Turkey and the Vatican, where he will work towards resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
