Slovakia will consider reciprocal measures against Ukraine such as halting back-up electricity supplies after Jan. 1 if Kyiv, as expected, stops the transit of Russian gas to Slovakia, Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Friday.

Slovakia on Friday confirmed its readiness to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, despite Kyiv's accusation that it is playing into the hands of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said Slovakia had told Kyiv in October that it was available to host peace talks.

Slovakia is "ready to actively contribute to the peace process between Russia and Ukraine" and has suggested itself as a venue for talks, Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár has said. Source: European Pravda,

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia is open to a Slovakian proposal to host peace talks with Ukraine to end a conflict he said Russia was determined to bring to a conclusion.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico threatened to cut off back up power supplies to Ukraine if Kyiv stops transporting Russian gas to Central Europe.Most Read from BloombergMigrant Crisis Pushed US Homelessness to Record High in 2024Ho Chi Minh City Opens First Metro Line After Years of Delay“After January 1,

Vladimir Putin endorses Slovakia for peace talks on Ukraine, highlighting its neutral stance and potential as a mediator in the ongoing conflict.- Watch Video on English Oneindia

Slovakia may consider reciprocal measures against Ukraine if it doesn’t allow the transit of gas from Russia to Europe.

Vladimir Putin said Slovakia's prime minister offered on his recent visit to Moscow to host potential talks between Russia and Ukraine. Robert Fico made the trip as a halt to Russian gas deliveries via Ukraine beckons.

President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday there was no time left this year to sign a new Ukrainian gas transit deal, and laid the blame firmly on