Prime Minister Robert Fico on Monday said Slovakia would halt emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine until Kyiv re-opens a key pipeline transporting Russian oil to his country.
Ukraine says the Druzhba oil pipeline that crosses its territory to deliver Russian oil to Slovakia and Hungary was damaged January 27 by Russian strikes.
“As of today, if the Ukrainian side turns to Slovakia with a request for assistance in stabilizing the Ukrainian energy grid, such assistance will not be provided,” Fico said in a video on his Facebook page.
Fico added the stoppage would be lifted “as soon as the transit of oil to Slovakia is restored. Otherwise, we will take further reciprocal steps.” (AFP)