'Russian gas costs sovereignty': Ukraine's Zelenskyy, MFA fire back at Slovak PM Fico after his 'enemy' remark

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared this statement on Telegram.  

"A few days ago, President Trump made a strong decision that will significantly increase U.S. LNG exports, including to Europe. This is exactly what is needed for security and stability—more energy resources from partners for Europe. American LNG is paid for with money, but Russian gas costs not only money—it also costs independence and sovereignty," the Ukrainian president wrote.  

According to Zelenskyy, many in Europe have already gone through this and chosen to preserve their independence and sovereignty.  

"But not Mr. Fico. He chooses Moscow over America and other partners who can supply his country with gas on commercial terms. This is his mistake. Everyone in Europe must think ahead and build relationships that strengthen our nations," he added.

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry's reaction

The ministry stated that amid declining public trust and protests against his pro-Russian policies, Fico resorted to searching for enemies—and found them in Ukraine.

"We consider these latest absurd statements an attempt to shift responsibility for domestic political failures onto foreign states and leaders. We advise looking not abroad, but in the mirror," Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry responded.  

The ministry emphasized that Ukraine had repeatedly warned about the dangers of Slovakia’s pro-Russian policies.  

"The result is clear: Robert Fico and certain Slovak parliamentary figures have been poisoned by Russian propaganda, losing the ability to distinguish between black and white. Now, they have even begun calling the leaders of neighboring friendly democracies 'enemies.' We are confident that Fico’s stance and policies contradict the Slovak people's choice to be an integral part of the European community," the statement concluded.

• Over 100 specialists from Slovakia in the fields of psychology and psychiatry have written an open letter to Prime Minister Robert Fico, requesting his resignation. The signatories justify their demand by citing the behaviour of the government leader, including attacks on the opposition and inappropriate conduct toward President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.