Fico calls on Zelenskyy to meet to resolve gas transit issue
After a public exchange of harsh statements with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico called for a meeting to resolve problems with gas transit.
He announced this on his Facebook page, Censor.NET reports.
Fico expressed concern about Ukraine's decision to stop gas transit to Slovakia, believing that it harms both Ukraine and the EU. He emphasized that he wants to avoid further escalation and wants to focus on resolving this issue through dialogue.
"I would like to continue a constructive and mutually respectful dialogue with the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal. Therefore, as the highest representative of the Slovak executive branch, let me invite you to talks, preferably as soon as possible, fully understanding the seriousness of your agenda," Fico said.
The prime minister also suggested using a direct rail link between Kyiv and the Slovak city of Košice as a symbol of cooperation between the two governments.
In his address, Fico noted that he had disagreements with Zelenskyy on a number of issues, including the war strategy and the termination of gas transit, but was ready to seek constructive solutions.
"I also have a different opinion about your decision to stop gas transit through Ukraine. My position is not the only one in Europe. Even if I do not consider it absolutely crucial that the Slovak Republic loses 500 million euros a year due to the cessation of gas transit," the head of the Slovak government emphasized.
Stopping Russian gas transit
As a reminder, at 07:00 on January 1, 2025, the transportation of Russian natural gas through Ukraine was stopped in the interests of national security.
The Cabinet of Ministers said that Ukraine had duly informed the European Commission about the termination of gas transit. European countries are prepared.
Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico has also previously threatened to stop exporting electricity to Ukraine and significantly reduce support for Ukrainian refugees in response to the cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukrainian territory.
Recently, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a "beggar and blackmailer."
Earlier it was reported that Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was "obviously mistaken" in hoping that his shadowy schemes with Moscow would exist indefinitely.
