“We consider this energy issue a political pressure. It doesn’t matter where and how we get the gas, but what is important is how we want to solve this problem. “However, in the long run, Western European countries will take advantage of this as the eastern countries of the European Union lose their competitiveness.” He told TASS news agency.
Danko says his country’s authorities need to issue subsidies to lower energy prices. “And we are losing our competitiveness. And this is happening across the European Union,” he added.
Gas shipments from Russia to Europe via Ukraine were completely halted on January 1 after Kiev refused to extend the agreement. Slovakia was also one of Russia’s gas suppliers. Slovak Prime Minister Roberto Fico subsequently announced the cancellation of EU gas talks, originally scheduled for January 7, due to the absence of the Ukrainian delegation.
On January 9, Slovakia’s prime minister threatened to take tougher measures against Ukraine unless the gas transportation issue was resolved. Mr. Fico then invited Mr. Zelensky to meet him in Slovakia, near the border with Ukraine, and Mr. Zelensky responded by suggesting that he come to Kiev.
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