Slovakia's coalition government will discuss retaliatory measures to take against Ukraine after it halted the flow of Russian gas through its territory to Slovakia, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Thursday.

Despite EU efforts to reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels, Slovakia remains reliant on Russian gas under a long-term contract with Russia's state-owned energy giant Gazprom. Switching to alternative supply routes could cost Slovakia an additional €220 million ($229 million) in transit fees.

Poland is ready to increase electricity exports by Ukraine, if Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico fulfills his threat to stop backup electricity supplies amid a "gas spat." This is reported by Bloomberg with reference to a high-ranking official.

Mr Zelensky accuses Slovakia's PM of opening a "second energy front" against Ukraine on the orders of Russia. Read more at straitstimes.com.

On New Year's Day, the transfer of Russian gas through Ukraine has ended after Kyiv had refused to extend a long-running contract due to Russia's war against the country.

Russia halts gas transit to the EU via Ukraine after the transit deal expires, sparking energy concerns and diplomatic tensions. Slovakia threatens electricity cuts to Ukraine, further escalating the dispute.