Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico for continuing to import Russian gas, claiming it aids Putin's war efforts. Fico's unannounced visit to Moscow sparked concerns about Slovakia's energy dependence on Russia. Zelenskyy highlighted proposed solutions for compensation and alternative gas transit options, which Fico reportedly rejected.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico of wanting to 'help' President Vladimir Putin by continuing to import Russia n gas. Zelenskyy said on Monday that EU leaders had observed that Fico, who visited Moscow on Sunday, opposes reducing energy dependence on Russia , implying that he wants to help Putin earn money to fund the war and weaken Europe.
Slovakia relies heavily on Russian gas and has raised concerns about the prospect of losing supplies after a contract for gas transit through Ukraine expires on December 31. Zelenskyy said, 'We offered him (Fico) 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.' Fico is one of the few European leaders Putin has stayed friendly with since Russia launched its military campaign of Ukraine in 2022. The visit by Fico, whose country is a NATO and European Union member, had not been previously announced. In a statement posted on his Facebook account after the talks, Fico said Sunday's meeting was 'in response to' Zelenskyy opposing any 'transit of gas through Ukraine to our territory'. 'Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed Russia's readiness to continue supplying gas to the West and Slovakia. However, given the stance of the Ukrainian President, this will be practically impossible after Jan. 1, 2025,' Fico said. Both leaders also exchanged views on the conflict in Ukraine, and 'the possibility of an early peaceful end' to it, he said.
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