Slovak operator SEPS has confirmed that it will continue to supply electricity to Ukraine as part of emergency assistance. In 11 months of 2023, electricity exports from Slovakia to Ukraine tripled.
In Bratislava, 4,000 people protested against Prime Minister Fico's pro-Russian policies. Protesters with EU flags accused Fico of “treason” and called on him to “go to Moscow.
Since the beginning of martial law in Ukraine, more than 50 people have died trying to cross the border illegally. Half of the deaths occurred in 2024, in particular, while trying to cross the Tisa River.
The State Border Guard Service reports a decrease in attempts to illegally cross the border in recent days. Violators use various disguises, including special equipment and joining funeral processions.
Two men dressed as railroad workers and trying to illegally enter Slovakia were detained in Zakarpattia. The offenders and their guides were detained near the border fence.
Robert Fico announced that the Smer party is ready to reduce support for Ukrainian citizens in Slovakia. This is a reaction to the cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine, which resulted in a loss of 5 billion euros in revenue.
Gas prices in Europe rose by 4. 3% after transit through Ukraine was cut off. Traders predict further price increases due to winter frosts and limited alternative supply routes.
On January 1, 2025, Ukraine stopped the transit of Russian gas through its territory. The EU declares its readiness for change, although the reaction of member states is mixed, ranging from support to concern.
Robert Fico said that the termination of Russian gas transit through Ukraine would have a negative impact on the EU, but not on Russia. Fico announced a “two-track policy” for 2025, focused on all sides of the world.
The Minister of Energy announced that Ukraine's gas system is fully prepared to operate without Russian transit. Ukrainians will not feel any changes in gas and heat supply.
Russia has stopped gas supplies through Ukraine after the transit agreement expires on January 1, 2025. The Czech Republic is ready to provide Slovakia with gas transportation capacity in response to this situation.
The Czech Republic is ready to provide Slovakia with capacities for natural gas transportation and storage. This decision was taken against the background of the termination of Russian gas transit by Ukraine through its territory.
President Zelenskyy said that the Hungarian and Slovak people support Ukraine, and their authorities should recognize the truth. He emphasized the importance of European unity and warned against cooperation with Russia.
Russia stops supplying gas through Ukraine after the transit agreement expires on January 1. Europe has found alternative sources, but the loss of Russian gas has affected the EU economy.
Slovak Prime Minister Fico writes a letter to the EU leadership regarding Ukraine's termination of Russian gas transit after 2024.
The Polish government plans to increase electricity production for Ukraine due to a possible suspension of supplies from Slovakia. Bratislava threatens to stop exports because of Ukraine's refusal to transit Russian gas.
The President instructed government officials to work with the EU to maintain the stability of the energy system. Ukraine is looking for alternatives to Slovak electricity imports, which currently account for 19% of the total.
Galushchenko appealed to the EU because of Slovakia's intention to stop supplying electricity to Ukraine. The minister said he was ready to replace Slovak imports with supplies from other neighbors.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has responded to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's statement about a possible suspension of electricity supplies. The Ministry reminded that Ukraine pays for electricity and accused Fico of acting in the interests of Russia.
The President of Ukraine commented on the Slovak prime minister's statement about the possible termination of electricity supplies after January 1. Zelenskyy accused Fico of acting in the interests of Russia and recalled the economic consequences for Slovakia.
The NGO Peace of Ukraine has appealed to the Slovak Prosecutor General's Office to investigate Prime Minister Fico's visit to Moscow. The association accuses Fico of legitimizing Putin, who is subject to an international warrant.
The Cabinet of Ministers has determined the list of goods subject to export licensing in 2025. Quotas for sugar and poultry exports and restrictions on grain exports to five EU countries were established.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhyi emphasized that Ukraine needs a comprehensive and just peace based on a 10-point formula.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry confirmed its readiness to consider the European Commission's request for energy supplies. However, as of January 1, the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine will be suspended.
Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar said the country was ready to facilitate the peace process between Russia and Ukraine. Putin also does not rule out the possibility of holding talks in Slovakia.
Gas prices in Europe are up 5% after Putin cast doubt on the possibility of a new transit deal with Ukraine. EU countries are looking for alternative solutions, but Zelenskiy rejects options financed by Russia.
Putin declared his intention to continue to achieve all the goals of the “special operation” in 2025. When asked about the possible end of the war, he responded with a popular saying.
Slovakian Prime Minister Fico suggested that Russia hold talks with Ukraine on the territory of his country. Putin said that Russia was not against such a proposal.
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved strategies for reforming psychoneurological institutions until 2034 and developing border infrastructure until 2030. Both documents are part of the Ukraine Facility Plan.
Moldova will be able to use the unused part of the 2,100 MW quota for electricity imports from the EU shared with Ukraine. The country plans to import 400 MW through Romanian power lines to cover the deficit on the Right Bank.