EU Country’s Prime Minister Open to Discussions on Gas with Ukraine
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has indicated that he may hold talks with Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky in the near future. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has indicated that a meeting with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky might occur in the “next few days,” as reported by TASS. The discussions will focus on significant issues related to the transit of Russian energy.
On December 31, 2024, Ukraine ceased the transit of Russian natural gas through its territory to the EU, impacting several member countries, including Austria, Italy, and Slovakia. Ukraine has chosen not to renew the transit agreement, which has created divisions within Brussels.
Fico warned last week that if the transit does not resume, he will block EU-wide initiatives aimed at supporting Ukraine and will consider taking independent measures against Kiev. Zelensky has stated that Ukraine's goal is to reduce Moscow’s financial gains.
On Monday, Fico shared an open letter on Facebook addressed to Zelensky, suggesting a meeting to discuss the situation. He proposed that this meeting could take place in Slovakia near the border with Ukraine. Fico emphasized that Ukraine's decision to halt gas transit is inflicting considerable damage not only on Slovakia but also on other EU nations and Ukraine itself.
Zelensky responded tersely on X, stating: “Ok. Come to Kyiv on Friday.”
On Wednesday, Tibor Gaspar, the deputy chairman of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, indicated that Fico was unlikely to make the trip to Kiev.
At a press conference on Thursday, Fico remarked, “We are looking for another date, which should be in the next few days,” adding that he will promptly announce the meeting's date and location once finalized.
The Slovak Prime Minister has previously accused Zelensky of “sabotaging the financial interests of Slovakia and the EU,” suggesting that the stoppage of transit, which has already driven up gas prices, could lead to an energy crisis in the bloc and potential losses amounting to €70 billion.
Lawmaker Gaspar further claimed on Tuesday upon arriving in Moscow that the cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine was a politically motivated decision made by Zelensky to appease Western interests. He noted that Kiev’s decision to deny transit “will not harm Russia, but it will harm the economies of member states.”
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
On December 31, 2024, Ukraine ceased the transit of Russian natural gas through its territory to the EU, impacting several member countries, including Austria, Italy, and Slovakia. Ukraine has chosen not to renew the transit agreement, which has created divisions within Brussels.
Fico warned last week that if the transit does not resume, he will block EU-wide initiatives aimed at supporting Ukraine and will consider taking independent measures against Kiev. Zelensky has stated that Ukraine's goal is to reduce Moscow’s financial gains.
On Monday, Fico shared an open letter on Facebook addressed to Zelensky, suggesting a meeting to discuss the situation. He proposed that this meeting could take place in Slovakia near the border with Ukraine. Fico emphasized that Ukraine's decision to halt gas transit is inflicting considerable damage not only on Slovakia but also on other EU nations and Ukraine itself.
Zelensky responded tersely on X, stating: “Ok. Come to Kyiv on Friday.”
On Wednesday, Tibor Gaspar, the deputy chairman of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, indicated that Fico was unlikely to make the trip to Kiev.
At a press conference on Thursday, Fico remarked, “We are looking for another date, which should be in the next few days,” adding that he will promptly announce the meeting's date and location once finalized.
The Slovak Prime Minister has previously accused Zelensky of “sabotaging the financial interests of Slovakia and the EU,” suggesting that the stoppage of transit, which has already driven up gas prices, could lead to an energy crisis in the bloc and potential losses amounting to €70 billion.
Lawmaker Gaspar further claimed on Tuesday upon arriving in Moscow that the cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine was a politically motivated decision made by Zelensky to appease Western interests. He noted that Kiev’s decision to deny transit “will not harm Russia, but it will harm the economies of member states.”
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
