Ukraine’s Zelensky hosts Slovakia’s opposition leader in Kyiv, amid gas spat with Slovak PM Fico
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) welcoming Mr Michal Simecka, leader of Slovakia’s opposition Progressive Slovakia party, to Kyiv on Jan 17.
PHOTO: AFP
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KYIV – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed energy security with Slovakia’s opposition leader in Kyiv on Jan 17, amid a row with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico who has threatened to cut aid to Ukraine.
Mr Fico is angry with Kyiv over its decision not to extend a deal on the transit of Russian gas supplies via Ukraine,
His leftist-nationalist coalition is looking shakier and faces a no-confidence vote.
Mr Zelensky had invited Mr Fico to visit Kyiv for talks
“Friday. Expected one Slovak leader, but met another. I had a good meeting with Slovak parliamentarians, led by @MSimecka,” Mr Zelensky wrote on X.
“We are ready for an open and mutually beneficial dialogue on all issues, particularly in the energy sector. This dialogue must strengthen our nations – Ukraine and Slovakia – not Moscow,” Mr Zelensky said in his statement after meeting Mr Simecka.
Mr Simecka said in a separate statement that he believed Ukraine was ready to negotiate over the issue, adding: “That is exactly what I am calling on Robert Fico to do now.”
Russian gas flows to Europe via Ukraine ended at the start of 2025 after the transit agreement between Kyiv and Moscow expired.
Kyiv refused to extend the deal to reduce revenue streams supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The overall gas situation has remained stable in Slovakia, but Mr Fico says the end of Russian gas supplies via Ukraine has resulted in higher gas prices and a loss of transit fees.
He has insisted on the need to restore flows, something Kyiv rejects.
Threats
Mr Zelensky and Mr Fico have since exchanged mutual accusations.
If the gas transit problem is not resolved, Mr Fico has threatened to cut emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine, reduce aid for its refugees in Slovakia or to use its veto right on European Union decisions relating to Kyiv.
Mr Zelensky has said Mr Fico’s lack of desire to reduce his country’s dependence on Russian natural resources threatens both Slovakia and Europe.
On Jan 13, Mr Fico proposed that he and Mr Zelensky meet on the Slovakian-Ukrainian border to discuss the gas situation.
Mr Zelensky said Mr Fico should instead come to Kyiv for the talks.
Mr Fico said on Jan 16 that he was looking for a date to meet Mr Zelensky, which could happen in the “nearest days”, according to the Slovak media.
He did not give details, but both leaders are scheduled to attend the Davos forum in Switzerland
