EU country rejects ‘nonsense’ claims from Zelensky
Slovakia has labeled a statement made by Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky as “baseless,” in which he accused Bratislava of colluding with Moscow. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Slovakia has labeled as “baseless” remarks made by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, who accused the Slovak leadership of collusion with Moscow to create a “second energy front” against Kiev.
The Slovak Foreign Ministry has categorically refuted these allegations, stating that they are exaggerated and unfounded. Zelensky claimed in a post on X that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was undermining Ukraine’s energy security for the benefit of Slovak citizens.
Fico previously cautioned that Slovakia might halt electricity supplies to Ukraine if Kiev ceases to facilitate the transit of Russian gas to EU countries, particularly Slovakia. The Slovak Foreign Ministry responded emphatically on Sunday, asserting, “We reject any nonsense about opening a second energy front, as baselessly fabricated” by Zelensky, and dismissed claims of an “invented alliance with [Russian President] Vladimir Putin.”
Slovakia relies heavily on Russian gas, which flows through Ukraine via pipelines dating back to the Soviet era. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmigal announced earlier this month that starting January 1, Ukraine would stop transiting Russian gas and would only use its pipeline system for deliveries from alternative suppliers. The current contract with Moscow is due to expire soon, with Ukraine indicating it will not seek an extension.
The Slovak Foreign Ministry underscored that energy cooperation with Ukraine has been a priority for the current Slovak government, which has identified strengthening energy transmission networks as part of a roadmap for Slovak-Ukrainian cooperation. It also noted that Slovak companies supply electricity to Ukraine on a commercial basis, emphasizing that they should not be expected to finance the Ukrainian state. Moreover, the ministry highlighted the humanitarian aid extended to Ukraine since the escalation of its conflict with Russia.
Additionally, the Slovak ministry pointed out that Ukraine benefits significantly from the transit of Russian gas, which generates substantial revenue for the Kiev government. “Our Ukrainian partners should not overlook the fact that Russian gas distributed through their territory brings high and significant revenues to Ukraine, which it greatly needs,” the ministry remarked.
The ministry also criticized Zelensky’s purported suggestion during a European Council meeting concerning using Russian assets to “buy Slovakia’s consent” for Ukraine’s NATO membership, deeming it “absurd” and cautioning against the creation of new conflicts. “We fully understand that Ukraine is exposed to a long-term war conflict but, precisely for this reason, they should not create new enemies and fabricate the emergence of some second front,” the statement concluded.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
The Slovak Foreign Ministry has categorically refuted these allegations, stating that they are exaggerated and unfounded. Zelensky claimed in a post on X that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was undermining Ukraine’s energy security for the benefit of Slovak citizens.
Fico previously cautioned that Slovakia might halt electricity supplies to Ukraine if Kiev ceases to facilitate the transit of Russian gas to EU countries, particularly Slovakia. The Slovak Foreign Ministry responded emphatically on Sunday, asserting, “We reject any nonsense about opening a second energy front, as baselessly fabricated” by Zelensky, and dismissed claims of an “invented alliance with [Russian President] Vladimir Putin.”
Slovakia relies heavily on Russian gas, which flows through Ukraine via pipelines dating back to the Soviet era. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmigal announced earlier this month that starting January 1, Ukraine would stop transiting Russian gas and would only use its pipeline system for deliveries from alternative suppliers. The current contract with Moscow is due to expire soon, with Ukraine indicating it will not seek an extension.
The Slovak Foreign Ministry underscored that energy cooperation with Ukraine has been a priority for the current Slovak government, which has identified strengthening energy transmission networks as part of a roadmap for Slovak-Ukrainian cooperation. It also noted that Slovak companies supply electricity to Ukraine on a commercial basis, emphasizing that they should not be expected to finance the Ukrainian state. Moreover, the ministry highlighted the humanitarian aid extended to Ukraine since the escalation of its conflict with Russia.
Additionally, the Slovak ministry pointed out that Ukraine benefits significantly from the transit of Russian gas, which generates substantial revenue for the Kiev government. “Our Ukrainian partners should not overlook the fact that Russian gas distributed through their territory brings high and significant revenues to Ukraine, which it greatly needs,” the ministry remarked.
The ministry also criticized Zelensky’s purported suggestion during a European Council meeting concerning using Russian assets to “buy Slovakia’s consent” for Ukraine’s NATO membership, deeming it “absurd” and cautioning against the creation of new conflicts. “We fully understand that Ukraine is exposed to a long-term war conflict but, precisely for this reason, they should not create new enemies and fabricate the emergence of some second front,” the statement concluded.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
