SNS Backs Premier's Request to Temporarily Halt Electricity Supplies to Ukraine

Bratislava, 23 February (TASR) - The junior governing Slovak National Party (SNS) fully supports Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) and expects the state-run Slovak Electricity Transmission System (SEPS) to put a temporary limit on electricity supplies to Ukraine, according to a media statement released by SNS in reaction to the premier's announced request to stop electricity transit due to the halt in oil supplies. SNS chairman Andrej Danko expects clear and decisive action. "If, according to the premier, it is confirmed that the Ukrainians are blocking oil supplies in the same way that they blocked gas deliveries, it is inconceivable that Ukraine, which has received more than €4 billion in aid from Slovakia, should blackmail us politically," stated the SNS leader. At the same time, Danko believes that the premier "won't back down and change his mind at the last minute". In addition, Danko expects Fico to take an unequivocal stance against anti-Russian sanctions, referring to a resolution adopted by MPs on the initiative of SNS. Fico announced in a video posted on social media on Sunday (22 February) evening that he's scheduled to visit SEPS on Monday and ask it to halt emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine due to the suspension of Russian oil transit through Ukrainian territory to Slovakia and Hungary. This declared plan has been strongly criticised by the opposition, which even views the premier's intended step as a war crime, criminal offence and act of treason that will damage Slovakia's economy and reputation. ko/df