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Zelenskyy Accuses Slovak PM of Supporting Russian Interests Amid Energy Dispute

Kyiv, December 24, 2024 – The Europe Today: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico of aiding Russian President Vladimir Putin by continuing to import Russian gas. Zelenskyy’s remarks come in response to Fico’s recent unannounced visit to Moscow, which has drawn sharp criticism from Kyiv.

Speaking on Monday, Zelenskyy said European Union leaders have noted Fico’s opposition to reducing energy dependence on Russia. The Ukrainian leader claimed this stance effectively helps Russia fund its military campaign in Ukraine. “We believe that such assistance to Putin is immoral,” Zelenskyy stated on social media platform X.

Slovakia, a European Union and NATO member, relies heavily on Russian gas. Fico has expressed concerns about potential energy shortages as the current gas transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine is set to expire on December 31. Ukraine has already declared it will not renew the contract, citing the ongoing conflict.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine had offered Slovakia solutions, including potential compensation for losses from ending Russian gas transit and alternatives to Russian gas, in collaboration with the European Commission. However, he alleged that Fico rejected these proposals. “Fico did not want compensation for the Slovaks. And he does not want to cooperate with the European Commission,” Zelenskyy said.

In response, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the situation as “very difficult” and called for increased attention to the matter.

Fico, one of the few European leaders maintaining amicable ties with Putin since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, defended his Moscow visit. In a statement posted on Facebook, Fico said the discussions were prompted by Zelenskyy’s opposition to Russian gas transiting through Ukraine to Slovakia.

“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 January 1, 2025,” Fico wrote.

The Slovak leader also noted that he and Putin exchanged views on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, including the possibility of an early peaceful resolution.

Zelenskyy’s accusations underscore growing tensions between Kyiv and Bratislava, as Slovakia’s energy reliance on Russia becomes increasingly contentious within the EU.