Zelensky slams Slovak PM Fico over Russian gas deal
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, criticized the Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, for rejecting a proposal for compensation related to halting the transit of Russian gas. Zelensky accused Fico of endangering Europe’s security and indirectly supporting Russia.
Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his dissatisfaction with Robert Fico's decision to reject the compensation offer for losses resulting from stopping the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine. Zelensky argued that Fico's actions could jeopardize Europe's security and financially aid Russia's military activities.
In his speech, Zelensky highlighted that the compensation offer had been agreed upon with the European Union and was intended to offset Slovakia's losses and implement alternative gas transit routes. Nonetheless, Fico rejected this proposal, drawing criticism from the Ukrainian leader.
We offered him solutions regarding potential compensation for Slovaks -- the Slovaks specifically -- for losses from Russian transit, as well as alternatives for transit - any other gas, not Russian, at the request of the European Commission. Fico did not want compensation for the Slovaks. And he does not want to cooperate with the European Commission - said Zelensky in his evening speech.
Fico met with Putin
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss European gas supplies. Although Putin expressed readiness to continue supplies, Fico perceived Ukraine's position against the transit of Russian gas after 2025 as a threat.
Fico was criticized for engaging in talks with Putin primarily because he opposed EU sanctions and military aid for Ukraine. During his visit to Moscow, Fico emphasized the importance of Slovakia's independent policy, raising concerns about its energy security given its dependence on Russian gas.
Zelensky also commented on Fico's recent meeting with Vladimir Putin, during which gas supply issues were discussed. The Ukrainian president suggested that Fico might be under Moscow’s influence, posing a significant threat to Slovakia’s and Europe's security. Zelensky stressed that Fico's desire to maintain ties with Russia could affect the region's energy stability.
He does not want to cooperate with the European Commission. For some reason, it is more profitable for him in Moscow. Everyone in Europe understands why. There are no those who do not understand - wrote Zelensky.
Fico’s first meeting with Putin in many years also stirred controversy, as the Slovak Prime Minister planned to participate in the celebrations of the end of World War II in Moscow. The opposition and parts of the international community criticized Fico's effort to establish normal energy cooperation with Russia as a regression in relations with the EU.
