Russian gas supplies to Slovakia via TurkStream pipeline rising gradually, country opposes ban on gas imports from Russia to EU - Slovakian PM

BEIJING. Sept 2 (Interfax) - Slovakia's imports of gas from Russia via the TurkStream pipeline are rising gradually, and the country does not intend to support the European Union's plan to phase out the Russian fuel, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said during talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Volumes are increasing gradually and have nearly reached 4 billion cubic meters per year regarding gas supplies that we receive via the TurkStream pipeline," Fico said.

Fico said that Slovakia does not intend to support the EU's plan to phase out Russian fossil fuel imports gradually, known as REPowerEU.

"We will vote against the decision. I am sure that much could change by 2028, and that REPowerEU would not operate because it would cause us great harm. We want to continue to cooperate in the energy sector. We are interested in supplies of Russian gas and oil. We are also interested in cooperation in other areas," Fico said.