EU nation's Prime Minister threatens to veto Ukraine assistance
Slovakia might block the EU’s assistance packages for Kiev and pursue other actions if the country does not reinstate the transit of Russian gas, according to Prime Minister Robert Fico. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Slovakia might block aid packages for Ukraine if it does not restore transit of Russian gas, according to Prime Minister Robert Fico.
The Slovak government could exercise its veto power over EU-wide initiatives aimed at assisting Kiev and may also take independent actions against it. Fico issued this warning to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, cautioning against damaging the bloc “for political reasons.”
During an interview on Sunday with local ta3 broadcaster, Fico discussed the ongoing dispute over gas transit between Slovakia and Ukraine. Ukraine decided to terminate the transit of Russian natural gas to the EU effective this year, which has disrupted supplies to several EU nations, including Austria, Italy, and Slovakia.
Fico stated, “If President Zelensky decides to harm the whole EU purely for political reasons, I speak for the Slovak government that when some aid for Ukraine is on the negotiating table, I will veto it.”
Potential retaliatory actions against Ukraine could involve ceasing emergency electricity supplies, stopping humanitarian aid deliveries, or cutting benefits for Ukrainian refugees living in Slovakia, the Prime Minister indicated.
He reiterated his claims regarding financial corruption in Ukraine, asserting that a significant portion of the funds sent to the country is “destined” to be misappropriated. When pressed for further details, Fico declined to provide specifics, stating that the issue of corruption in Ukraine is widely recognized.
Fico has consistently criticized ongoing Western support for Ukraine, arguing that it cannot win against Russia militarily and should pursue a diplomatic resolution. Shortly after taking office in late 2023, he ceased military aid to Ukraine and pledged to oppose the country's possible accession to NATO.
The already problematic relationship between Bratislava and Kiev has worsened due to the gas dispute, as Slovakia heavily relies on Russian gas, with over 50% of its supply coming through the Ukrainian transit system.
Earlier this week, Fico expressed his frustration, stating he grows “sick” of Zelensky at times and emphasized that he is not “here to hold hands” with him. “He roams Europe begging and blackmailing, asking others for money,” Fico remarked during a session with the Slovak parliament's foreign affairs committee. “This needs to stop.”
In response to the situation, Ukraine has ruled out renewing the gas contract, citing efforts to curb Russia’s profits. Prime Minister Denis Shmigal confirmed last week that there are no plans to sign another agreement with Moscow.
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
The Slovak government could exercise its veto power over EU-wide initiatives aimed at assisting Kiev and may also take independent actions against it. Fico issued this warning to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, cautioning against damaging the bloc “for political reasons.”
During an interview on Sunday with local ta3 broadcaster, Fico discussed the ongoing dispute over gas transit between Slovakia and Ukraine. Ukraine decided to terminate the transit of Russian natural gas to the EU effective this year, which has disrupted supplies to several EU nations, including Austria, Italy, and Slovakia.
Fico stated, “If President Zelensky decides to harm the whole EU purely for political reasons, I speak for the Slovak government that when some aid for Ukraine is on the negotiating table, I will veto it.”
Potential retaliatory actions against Ukraine could involve ceasing emergency electricity supplies, stopping humanitarian aid deliveries, or cutting benefits for Ukrainian refugees living in Slovakia, the Prime Minister indicated.
He reiterated his claims regarding financial corruption in Ukraine, asserting that a significant portion of the funds sent to the country is “destined” to be misappropriated. When pressed for further details, Fico declined to provide specifics, stating that the issue of corruption in Ukraine is widely recognized.
Fico has consistently criticized ongoing Western support for Ukraine, arguing that it cannot win against Russia militarily and should pursue a diplomatic resolution. Shortly after taking office in late 2023, he ceased military aid to Ukraine and pledged to oppose the country's possible accession to NATO.
The already problematic relationship between Bratislava and Kiev has worsened due to the gas dispute, as Slovakia heavily relies on Russian gas, with over 50% of its supply coming through the Ukrainian transit system.
Earlier this week, Fico expressed his frustration, stating he grows “sick” of Zelensky at times and emphasized that he is not “here to hold hands” with him. “He roams Europe begging and blackmailing, asking others for money,” Fico remarked during a session with the Slovak parliament's foreign affairs committee. “This needs to stop.”
In response to the situation, Ukraine has ruled out renewing the gas contract, citing efforts to curb Russia’s profits. Prime Minister Denis Shmigal confirmed last week that there are no plans to sign another agreement with Moscow.
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
