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Business InsiderJan 05
Slovakia Threatens to Cut Benefits to Ukrainian Refugees Over Ukraine Gas Dispute
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Above: Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico pictured in Moscow, Russia, on December 22, 2024. Image copyright: Artem Geodakyan/Contributor Pool/AFP via Getty News
The Facts
Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico on Thursday threatened to cut financial benefits to Ukrainian refugees living in his country over a continuing dispute with Ukraine regarding its halting of Russian gas transit to Europe earlier in the week.
According to figures posted by the UN's High Commissioner for Refugees last month, out of 6.8M Ukrainian refugees worldwide, there are upwards of 130K Ukrainians estimated to be in Slovakia presently.
Keeping with an earlier statement in which he warned of "reciprocal measures" should Ukraine go forward with the move to halt Russian gas supplies, Fico also again threatened to cut electricity supplies to Ukraine in his latest statement.
The Spin
Pro-Ukraine narrative
Slovakia is unlikely to cut electricity to supplies to Ukraine. Ukraine pays for this supply so not only would Slovakia bear additional costs, such a move would go against EU rules and regulations.
Establishment-critical narrative
Slovakia stands ready to impose cuts on Ukraine's energy supply and to benefits of Ukrainian refugees in the country. The only alternative is that gas transit is resumed or that Slovakia receives compensation.
