Slovakia-Ukraine tensions rise over energy and diplomacy
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky accused the Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, of opening a "second energy front" against Ukraine at the behest of Vladimir Putin.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky accused Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico of actions he described as opening a "second energy front" against Ukraine. Zelensky claims these actions are being carried out on the orders of Vladimir Putin.
Energy conflict between Ukraine and Slovakia
Zelensky emphasized that the threats to cut off emergency power supply to Ukraine this winter are particularly dangerous, given the Russian attacks on Ukrainian power plants and the power grid. Slovakia's participation in Ukrainian electricity imports is about 19 per cent, making it a significant partner in this regard.
According to the President of Ukraine, "Fico's shortsighted policy has already deprived the Slovak people of compensation for losing Russian gas transit." and 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 threatened to cut off electricity supplies to Ukraine if Kyiv halts the transit of Russian gas to his country after New Year's. Earlier this week, Fico met with Vladimir Putin in Moscow, which further exacerbated the situation.
On Monday, Zelensky reported that Fico rejected a proposal to compensate for losses due to Ukraine halting the transit of Russian gas. The energy conflict between Ukraine and Slovakia is intensifying, and its effects may be felt in the coming months.
