Ukraine has been accused of “sabotage” for cutting off Russian gas being piped to Europe. The move by Ukraine had been long expected. But Slovakia’s populist prime minister, Robert Fico, has reacted angrily and is now threatening to retaliate.

Bratislava: Slovakian leader Robert Fico has threatened to cut financial aid for over 130,000 Ukrainian refugees living in Slovakia. This move is part of a set of retaliatory measures against Kyiv, following its decision to halt the flow of Russian gas through its territory to Slovakia.

On January 1, Slovakia sharply reduced the capacity of electricity supplies to Ukraine. Earlier, Prime Minister Robert Fico warned Kiev that Slovakia would respond to the regime's refusal to continue the transit of Russian gas.