EU Member Country Presents Ultimatum to Zelensky
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has pledged to impede any European Union assistance to Ukraine unless the transit of Russian gas to the nation is restored. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has announced plans to veto any EU assistance to Ukraine, labeling President Vladimir Zelensky an “enemy” and attributing Slovakia's current issues to his actions. The decision comes in light of Ukraine's recent halt of Russian natural gas transit, which has put Slovakia’s energy security at risk.
Fico, who survived an assassination attempt by a pro-Ukraine activist last year, criticized Zelensky on Tuesday for not renewing the gas transit agreement with Gazprom, Russia’s state energy company.
“Our enemy is Zelensky. Zelensky caused the problems we have. I don’t like him because he harms Slovakia,” Fico said, as reported by local media.
The prime minister rejected Zelensky's proposal made over the weekend about transiting gas from Azerbaijan to the EU, accusing him of making hollow promises and lacking a solid plan.
“Nothing is ready, there’s no project on the table. [Zelensky] is blowing bubbles again because he thinks this bubble will free him from making tough decisions,” Fico stated.
Fico warned that Slovakia would veto EU aid to Ukraine unless the Russian natural gas transit is reinstated, mentioning that he intended to address this issue with the European Commission on Thursday. He argued that the best solution would involve purchasing gas at the Russian border and having it delivered through Ukraine as Slovak property.
Since Fico's electoral win in 2023, he and his SMER-SD party have reversed many pro-Ukraine policies of the previous administration, including ceasing arms supplies to Kiev. Fico has consistently advocated for a diplomatic end to the conflict, criticizing EU sanctions on Russia.
Bratislava has also pledged to block Ukraine's potential NATO membership, with Fico accusing Zelensky of attempting to influence him with €500 million to gain support for the NATO bid.
Relations between Bratislava and Kiev have deteriorated further due to the ongoing gas dispute. Slovakia relied on a Soviet-era pipeline for up to 60% of its gas supply and has been significantly impacted by Ukraine's decision to stop the flow of Russian gas to Central Europe. Previously, Fico has threatened to suspend electricity supplies to Ukraine if it continues to undermine Slovakia’s energy security.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
Fico, who survived an assassination attempt by a pro-Ukraine activist last year, criticized Zelensky on Tuesday for not renewing the gas transit agreement with Gazprom, Russia’s state energy company.
“Our enemy is Zelensky. Zelensky caused the problems we have. I don’t like him because he harms Slovakia,” Fico said, as reported by local media.
The prime minister rejected Zelensky's proposal made over the weekend about transiting gas from Azerbaijan to the EU, accusing him of making hollow promises and lacking a solid plan.
“Nothing is ready, there’s no project on the table. [Zelensky] is blowing bubbles again because he thinks this bubble will free him from making tough decisions,” Fico stated.
Fico warned that Slovakia would veto EU aid to Ukraine unless the Russian natural gas transit is reinstated, mentioning that he intended to address this issue with the European Commission on Thursday. He argued that the best solution would involve purchasing gas at the Russian border and having it delivered through Ukraine as Slovak property.
Since Fico's electoral win in 2023, he and his SMER-SD party have reversed many pro-Ukraine policies of the previous administration, including ceasing arms supplies to Kiev. Fico has consistently advocated for a diplomatic end to the conflict, criticizing EU sanctions on Russia.
Bratislava has also pledged to block Ukraine's potential NATO membership, with Fico accusing Zelensky of attempting to influence him with €500 million to gain support for the NATO bid.
Relations between Bratislava and Kiev have deteriorated further due to the ongoing gas dispute. Slovakia relied on a Soviet-era pipeline for up to 60% of its gas supply and has been significantly impacted by Ukraine's decision to stop the flow of Russian gas to Central Europe. Previously, Fico has threatened to suspend electricity supplies to Ukraine if it continues to undermine Slovakia’s energy security.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
