Slovakia-Ukraine Tensions Rise Over Gas Dispute

Tensions are escalating between Slovakia and Ukraine over the cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for his refusal to extend the gas transit agreement with Russia, which Fico claims has imposed financial losses on Slovakia. Zelensky, in turn, has invited Fico to Kyiv for talks, countering Fico's proposal for negotiations in Slovakia. The European Commission supports Ukraine's decision to halt the transit to prevent funding Russia's war efforts. Fico has threatened retaliatory measures, including cutting electricity supplies to Ukraine. The discord has been further complicated by Fico's controversial meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which have drawn criticism from Ukraine and within Slovakia itself.