Slovak PM Fico’s Russian ties jeopardize European unity, Zelenskyy says

He expressed his concerns in a statement shared on X social media.

Zelenskyy claimed Fico's actions undermine Europe’s energy independence, alleging that the Slovak leader prioritizes Russian gas over alternatives from Europe and the U.S. 

“Mr. Fico does not want to participate in the common European work on energy independence,” Zelenskyy stated, suggesting that Fico’s policies help Putin finance the war in Ukraine while weakening Europe. He emphasized that such support is “immoral” in light of the ongoing loss of lives caused by Russia’s aggression.  

The Ukrainian president further questioned Fico’s motivations, noting Slovakia’s refusal to accept EU compensations to reduce dependency on Russian gas and oil, which reportedly amount to $1 billion annually. He called for Slovak law enforcement to investigate whether such arrangements compromise the country's sovereignty or involve dubious schemes.  

The leader of the Slovak opposition party SaS, Branislav Gröhling, echoed Zelenskyy’s sentiments, calling Fico’s negotiations with Putin “a betrayal not only of Slovakia’s foreign policy but also of its allies in the EU and NATO.”  

• In October, the European Energy Commissioner announced the EU’s readiness to terminate the Naftogaz-Gazprom gas transit contract through Ukraine by the end of the year.
• In response, Fico declared Slovakia would negotiate gas supplies from Russia via Ukraine after the current transit deal expires.
• The Slovak Prime Minister also discussed gas supply routes through Ukraine with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
• Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated Ukraine would stop Russian gas transit to prevent further income for Russia. He outlined conditions under which Ukraine might reconsider. Additionally, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine would end on January 1.
• Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić confirmed Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is set to meet Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin on Monday, December 23, following Ukraine's decision to halt Russian gas transit.