Slovakia, Ukraine split on energy policy: Fico after meeting with Zelenskyy in Uzhhorod

Fico said this at a joint press conference with Zelenskyy.

What the Slovak prime minister said

"As for energy, for example, I will not go into details now — that is already the task of our ministers of economy and energy. We really have diametrically different points of view. I said that I respect the president's point of view, but I also expect you to respect our points of view," the Slovak prime minister said.

He also emphasized that Bratislava wants a "good, just peace" and a swift resolution on security guarantees. However, he said Slovakia "as a small country cannot play a decisive role."

"But we support all initiatives that lead to a ceasefire. All initiatives that lead to peace," he continued.

At the same time, the politician said that Kyiv's path to the EU may be difficult, and that Bratislava offers the experience of the Slovak government in the accession process.

Espreso correspondent Maksym Halashko reported that the head of the Slovak government insists on maintaining good relations between Kyiv and Bratislava, while seeking to preserve the sovereignty of its foreign policy. Fico also said he wants the fastest and fairest possible peace. "You can have different views, but still support cooperation. And I want to ask you to respect Slovak views," he added.

At the same time, the Slovak prime minister noted that his country does not want to take part in anyone's political games.

What Zelenskyy said

"Thank you for this visit. We had a substantive conversation. It's important that this dialogue exists. We will continue it," Zelenskyy said after the talks.

He said he informed Fico about his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, about the results of the Coalition of the Willing meeting on September 4, and about a security architecture for Europe.

"And Slovakia will not remain on the sidelines. The prime minister told me about his contacts in China. A separate and important issue is Europe's energy independence. Russian oil, like Russian gas, has no future," the President of Ukraine said.

He added that Bratislava supports Kyiv on its path to the EU.

"That is very significant. We also see that Ukraine and Moldova should continue to move together toward membership in the European Union. It is equally important that bilateral cooperation on economic, energy and infrastructure issues here, in our region, strengthens our peoples, our countries," Zelenskyy added.

Intergovernmental meeting on energy issues

Fico said the Ukrainian and Slovak sides agreed to hold an intergovernmental meeting on energy issues.

"We propose to hold it on October 20 on the territory of the Slovak Republic. Our team is already preparing the agenda," he said.

The list of issues planned for discussion will include the operation of the airport in Uzhhorod.

"We are ready to have joint energy projects. Ready to supply oil and gas to Slovakia, provided these are not Russian energy resources. Because we are at war. Regarding other projects, they exist — we know enough alternative projects, and we are ready to work," Zelenskyy added.

The start of the meeting between Zelenskyy and Fico was reported by Ukrinform and Suspilne.

"Thank you for this visit. We had a meaningful conversation. It is important that this dialogue exists. We will continue it," Zelenskyy said after the meeting.

According to him, he informed Fico about his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump and about the results of the Coalition of the Willing meeting on September 4.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry clarified that the leaders would discuss strengthening sanction pressure on the Russian Federation, its accountability for crimes, and economic issues — energy infrastructure.

"Of course, one of the main topics will be strengthening the sanctions and political pressure on the aggressor state, bringing Russia to account for crimes, including the crime of aggression, which Slovakia should support. There will also be outstanding issues that exist between our states: matters of bilateral relations, economic problems that particularly concern Slovakia," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi.

At the same time, Slovak media reported that Bratislava’s delegation included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Denisa Sakova and Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár. Zelenskyy is accompanied by Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko.

• On September 2, Fico told Putin in China that Slovakia "responds very harshly to attacks on oil infrastructure," promising to raise the issue at the meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Uzhhorod on September 5.