Slovakia will consider reciprocal measures against Ukraine such as halting back-up electricity supplies after Jan. 1 if Kyiv, as expected, stops the transit of Russian gas to Slovakia, Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Friday.

Prime Minister Robert Fico’s warning comes as the gas transit deal between Russia and Ukraine is set to expire at the end of the year.

Slovakia may halt electricity supplies to Ukraine after Jan. 1 if Ukraine stops Russian gas transit to Slovakia. This follows Kyiv's decision against renewing a transit deal with Moscow. Slovak PM Robert Fico highlights potential economic impacts on Slovakia and the EU,

BRATISLAVA — Slovakia on Friday confirmed its readiness to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, despite Kyiv’s accusation that it is playing into the hands of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced on Dec. 27 that his government will evaluate potential reciprocal measures against Ukraine, including halting electricity supplies, if Ukraine stops the transit of Russian gas to Slovakia after January 1.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has threatened to stop electricity supplies to Ukraine. He intends to take this step as revenge for Kyiv's refusal to transit Russian gas to Europe, according to Fico's statement on Facebook.