Slovakia Considers Reducing Support for Ukrainian Refugees Amid Gas Dispute

In response to Ukraine’s decision to halt a crucial gas pipeline, Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico threatens to reduce financial aid for Ukrainian refugees while also suggesting a halt to electricity exports to Ukraine. This move has raised concerns about the support for those fleeing the conflict, highlighting regional political tensions.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has recently warned of potential cuts to financial assistance for more than 130,000 Ukrainian refugees residing in Slovakia, amid rising tensions over a critical gas supply dispute with Ukraine. On January 1, Ukraine ceased operations on a long-used pipeline that supplied Russian natural gas to Central Europe, resulting in Slovakia losing significant transit fees, estimated at around 500 million euros (£415 million; $518 million).

The UN's refugee agency (UNHCR) reported last month that Slovakia hosts a substantial number of Ukrainian refugees, totaling 130,530 among the global count of approximately 6.8 million. Fico, who attracted attention for his controversial December visit to Moscow for discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, characterized Ukraine's gas supply decision as an act of "sabotage."

He expressed intentions to propose halting electricity exports to Ukraine and sharply reducing financial support for Ukrainian refugees. However, Fico assured that Slovakia is not facing any serious gas shortages due to pre-existing alternative arrangements. His statements reflect a growing frustration regarding Ukraine's decisions and their impact on Slovak public finances.

In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Fico of aiding Russia in its war efforts against Ukraine and worsening the plight of Ukrainian civilians. Meanwhile, Poland has stepped in to express its readiness to support Ukraine should Slovakia move forward with cutting electricity supplies, which are essential for Ukraine, especially given the ongoing assaults on its power infrastructure.

The European Commission has acknowledged that the EU is prepared for this change, asserting continuity in energy supply capabilities for most member states. Meanwhile, Moldova—an EU neighbor—not part of the bloc—is already experiencing energy shortages, and the implications of Slovakia's potential actions are being closely monitored. As Russia adapts its supply routes, notably through the TurkStream pipeline to Hungary, Turkey, and Serbia, the stakes surrounding energy dependency and refugee support continue to heighten.