Slovakia threatens to cut benefit for Ukrainians

Slovakia could reduce aid for Ukrainian refugees in response to Ukraine’s decision to terminate Russian gas transit through its territory, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Jan. 2

While Fico said that Slovak households would not face energy shortages, he said Slovakia stands to lose €500 million ($513 million) annually in transit revenue.

"On behalf of Smer (the ruling party), I announce that we are ready to negotiate and agree in a coalition to cut off electricity supplies and significantly reduce support for Ukrainian citizens staying in the territory of the Slovak Republic," he added.