Zelensky accuses Slovak PM of fueling energy crisis with Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico of opening a "second energy front" against Ukraine at the behest of Vladimir Putin.
Zelensky claims that Fico is acting on Putin's orders, thereby threatening Ukraine's energy security.
energy conflict between Ukraine and Slovakia
Zelensky highlighted that the threat to cut off emergency power supplies to Ukraine this winter is especially perilous given the ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian power plants and the power grid. Slovakia contributes about 19 percent to Ukraine's electricity imports, making it a key partner in this sector.
The Ukrainian President stated that "Fico's shortsighted policy has already deprived the Slovak people of compensation for losing Russian gas transit," Now, the Slovak Prime Minister risks losing another $200 million that Ukraine pays for electricity imports.
Fico's meeting with Putin
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has threatened to halt electricity supplies to Ukraine if Kyiv stops the transit of Russian gas to Slovakia after New Year's. Earlier this week, Fico met with Vladimir Putin in Moscow, further aggravating the situation.
On Monday, Zelensky reported that Fico rejected a proposal to offset losses due to Ukraine's potential halt of Russian gas transit. The energy conflict between Ukraine and Slovakia is intensifying, with significant repercussions expected in the coming months.
