Slovakia can't cut off electricity supply to Ukraine: PM Shmyhal explains why

He stated this in the parliament, Interfax-Ukraine reports.

"The Slovak power grid is part of the unified European network. Even if they were technically able to shut down their connections to Ukraine for repairs for a short period, according to the rules of the unified market, the volume of electricity would be proportionally redistributed among supplier countries. Poland and other neighboring countries have stated they are ready to cooperate if needed... Therefore, at this moment, there is no threat of limiting the volume of electricity imports," Shmyhal stated.

According to him, the European Commission is monitoring the situation, and decisions on imports should not be made by Slovak operators but by the unified power grid.

He noted that immediately after Fico's statements, Ukraine's Ministry of Energy contacted the European Commission, the network of system operators of Continental Europe (ENTSO-E), and the Energy Community, which are responsible for the stability of energy supply.

Shmyhal added that Ukraine is currently receiving imports in the necessary volumes, including from Slovakia.

• On the morning of January 1, Ukraine stopped transporting Russian natural gas through its own gas transportation system.
• On January 2, Fico reacted extremely critically. "On behalf of Smer (the ruling party - ed.), I inform you that we are ready to negotiate and agree in the coalition to stop the supply of electricity and significantly reduce subsidies for Ukrainian citizens staying in the territory of the Slovak Republic," the head of the Slovak government said.
• Amid Fico's statements, Poland assured that it was ready to increase electricity supplies to Ukraine.