According to Zelenskyy, PM Robert Fico was given possible compensation by Moscow for losses resulting from Russian transit, but he declined.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has come under fire from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for allegedly attempting to “assist” President Vladimir Putin by importing Russian gas.
EU officials have noted that Fico, who traveled to Moscow on Sunday, is against lowering energy reliance on Russia, “implying that he wants to help Putin earn money to fund the war and weaken Europe,” Zelenskyy said on Monday.
He posted, “We believe that such assistance to Putin is immoral,” on the social media site X.
After a contract for gas transit through Ukraine expires on December 31, Slovakia, which depends mostly on Russian gas, has expressed alarm about the possibility of running out of supplies.
Ukraine has stated unequivocally that it will not extend the agreement with Russia.
According to Zelenskyy, “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 was opposed to the Slovaks receiving compensation. Additionally, he is unwilling to work with the European Commission.
On Monday, Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for the Kremlin, told reporters, “This is a very difficult situation which requires increased attention.”
“Impossible” supply
Since Russia began its military operation in Ukraine in 2022, Fico is one of the few European politicians with whom Putin has maintained a cordial relationship.
Fico, whose nation is a member of the European Union and NATO, had not previously announced his visit.
Fico said Sunday’s meeting was “in response to” Zelenskyy’s opposition to any “transit of gas through Ukraine to our territory” in a statement that was put on his Facebook page following the discussions.
“Russia’s willingness to keep supplying gas to Slovakia and the West was reaffirmed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
But after January 1, 2025, this will be nearly impossible due to the Ukrainian President’s position,” Fico stated.
According to him, the two leaders also discussed “the possibility of an early peaceful end” to the Ukrainian crisis.
