Slovakia's gas stance under fire: Zelensky slams Fico's move
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, criticized Slovakia's Prime Minister, Robert Fico, for rejecting a proposal for compensation for halting the transit of Russian gas. Zelensky accused Fico of endangering Europe’s security and supporting Russia.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his dissatisfaction with Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico's decision to reject the offer of compensation for losses resulting from stopping the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine. Zelensky accused Fico of actions that could threaten Europe's security and financially support Russia in its military activities.
During his speech, Zelensky emphasized that the compensation offer was agreed upon with the European Union and aimed to offset Slovakia's losses and implement alternative gas transit routes. Nevertheless, Fico rejected this proposal, which was met with 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 gas supplies to Europe. Although Putin expressed readiness to continue supplies, Ukraine's stance, which opposes the transit of Russian gas after 2025, is viewed as a threat by the Slovak Prime Minister.
The criticism Fico faced for participating in talks with Putin mainly stems from his opposition to EU sanctions and military aid for Ukraine. During his visit to Moscow, Fico emphasized the need for Slovakia's sovereign policy, which raised concerns about its energy security due to dependency on Russian gas.
Zelensky also addressed Fico's recent meeting with Vladimir Putin, where they discussed gas supply issues. The President of Ukraine suggested that Moscow might influence Fico, posing a serious threat to the security of Slovakia and all of Europe. Zelensky emphasized that Fico seeks to maintain interests with Russia, which could impact 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 meeting with Putin, the first in many years, also sparked controversy in the context of the Slovak Prime Minister's planned celebrations of the end of World War II in Moscow. Fico is attempting to establish normal energy cooperation with Russia, which is criticized by the opposition and parts of the international community as a step backward in relations with the EU.
