Slovakia ordered the expulsion of a Ukrainian citizen and blocked entry for 10 other foreign nationals as Prime Minister Robert Fico revived an accusation over an alleged attempt by forces abroad to overthrow his government.

Slovakian police have arrested a man allegedly linked to a coup threat, with local media identifying him as a Ukrainian national. Reports suggest the accused will be expelled to Ukraine. This development follows last year's assassination attempt on Slovak PM Robert Fico,

(Reuters) - Ukraine's foreign ministry summoned Slovakia's ambassador in Kyiv on Thursday to reject accusations that it is meddling in its neighbour's internal affairs and to accuse Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico of being a "mouthpiece" for Russia.

Slovakia and Ukraine are embroiled in a diplomatic dispute following Slovakia's protest against Ukrainian remarks. The row intensified after Slovakia accused Ukraine of propaganda and Ukraine ceased Russian gas transit to Slovakia.

Relations between Robert Fico in Bratislava and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv have become increasingly bitter over the month.

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has sought the resumption of Russian gas transit through Ukraine, will discuss the issue with European Commission officials on Thursday, his office said on Tuesday.

Ukraine is ready to consider the possibility of cooperating with European operators on gas transit to the EU, but it is the European Commission that must decide whether the European side needs such transit and whether it is ready to provide it.

Tens of thousands of people in Slovakia have gathered at squares and street across the country to voice their opposition to the pro-Russia policies of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico

Fico is angry with Kyiv over its decision not to extend a deal on the transit of Russian gas supplies via Ukraine, saying the move had damaged Slovakia's economy. His leftist-nationalist coalition is looking shakier and faces a no-confidence vote.

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Slovakia avoided a shortfall in domestic natural gas supplies in January, despite previous fears voiced by Prime Minister Robert Fico following the halt in Russian gas pipeline flows