Fico Summons Coalition Council Over Russian Gas Transit Via Ukraine (2)

Bratislava, January 9 (TASR) - Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) convened a session of the coalition council on Thursday to decide on the next course of action regarding the gas transit via Ukraine to Slovakia, the Government's Office press department stated on the same day, adding that the Prime Minister will announce the decision in due time. "As I announced after the negotiations in Brussels on the transit of gas via Ukraine, I convened the coalition partners to decide on the next approach. You will be informed about the decisions passed in due time," declared Fico. Earlier on Thursday, after his talks with representatives of the European Commission, Fico outlined potential reciprocal measures to be taken against Kiev over its decision to discontinue the transit of Russia gas via its territory, including potential termination of the humanitarian aid for Ukraine, significant slashing or even complete withdrawal of benefits for Ukraine war refugees in Slovakia, or the stopping of electricity supplies in crisis situations, TASR learnt from its special correspondent. According to Fico, Slovakia will embrace such course of last resort only if there is no other option. The Prime Minister also announced the forming of a group to address the current dispute, which will include representatives of Slovakia, the European Commission and, likely, also Ukraine. The contract on Russian gas transit via Ukraine expired by the end of 2024 and Kiev decided not to renew it. Fico repeatedly warned that Slovakia will lose half a billion euros annually as a result and quantified the financial loss for the EU as €60-70 billion in total. mf/mcs