Slovak PM Says Zelensky Insisted on Signing Protocol Before Meeting
Slovakia initiated discussions regarding gas transit with the Ukrainian leader, but instead, it was presented with a document affirming support for Kiev's NATO ambitions. Read Full Article at RT.com.
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Slovakia aimed to engage in gas transit discussions with the Ukrainian leader, but instead received a document endorsing Kiev's NATO aspirations.
Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky wanted Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to sign a protocol pledging support for Ukraine’s NATO membership before they could meet to talk about key gas transit issues through Ukraine, according to Fico.
The Slovak prime minister sought a meeting with Zelensky on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos after a series of pointed exchanges between Kiev and Bratislava, which followed Ukraine's decision to halt Russian gas flow to Slovakia.
Zelensky openly ridiculed the invitation, and consequently, the meeting did not occur.
Fico shared insights about his unsuccessful bid to meet with Zelensky during a discussion with members of his SMER-SD party on Tuesday.
“I was ready to meet [with Zelensky] in Davos. And what did he do? Zelensky sent me a protocol for the meeting, and I was supposed to sign it. The meeting hadn’t even taken place yet, but there was already a prepared protocol.
“That protocol outlined what we would do for Ukraine, including supporting its NATO membership. Gas wasn’t mentioned at all,” the prime minister said in a video posted on social media.
In response to Fico’s remarks, the Ukrainian leader stated that the Slovak prime minister “chooses Moscow over America and other partners.”
“You have to pay for Russian gas not only with money but also with independence and sovereignty,” Zelensky wrote on his Telegram channel on Wednesday. “Many in Europe have already gone through this and chose to preserve their independence and sovereignty.”
Fico had initially suggested a meeting for negotiations along the border, but Zelensky proposed that he travel to Kiev instead. Fico narrowly avoided an assassination attempt by a pro-Ukraine activist last year.
Earlier this week, Fico warned that Bratislava would block any EU assistance to Ukraine unless the transit of Russian natural gas was resumed, labeling Zelensky as an “enemy” and accusing him of creating “problems” for Slovakia.
Slovakia, which relied on a Soviet-era pipeline for up to 60% of its gas, has been severely impacted by Ukraine’s decision to stop the transit of Russian gas to Central Europe.
The Slovak prime minister stated that he intends to discuss this matter with the European Commission on Thursday. According to Fico, a viable solution to the dispute could involve acquiring gas at the Russian border and transporting it through Ukraine as Slovak property.
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky wanted Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to sign a protocol pledging support for Ukraine’s NATO membership before they could meet to talk about key gas transit issues through Ukraine, according to Fico.
The Slovak prime minister sought a meeting with Zelensky on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos after a series of pointed exchanges between Kiev and Bratislava, which followed Ukraine's decision to halt Russian gas flow to Slovakia.
Zelensky openly ridiculed the invitation, and consequently, the meeting did not occur.
Fico shared insights about his unsuccessful bid to meet with Zelensky during a discussion with members of his SMER-SD party on Tuesday.
“I was ready to meet [with Zelensky] in Davos. And what did he do? Zelensky sent me a protocol for the meeting, and I was supposed to sign it. The meeting hadn’t even taken place yet, but there was already a prepared protocol.
“That protocol outlined what we would do for Ukraine, including supporting its NATO membership. Gas wasn’t mentioned at all,” the prime minister said in a video posted on social media.
In response to Fico’s remarks, the Ukrainian leader stated that the Slovak prime minister “chooses Moscow over America and other partners.”
“You have to pay for Russian gas not only with money but also with independence and sovereignty,” Zelensky wrote on his Telegram channel on Wednesday. “Many in Europe have already gone through this and chose to preserve their independence and sovereignty.”
Fico had initially suggested a meeting for negotiations along the border, but Zelensky proposed that he travel to Kiev instead. Fico narrowly avoided an assassination attempt by a pro-Ukraine activist last year.
Earlier this week, Fico warned that Bratislava would block any EU assistance to Ukraine unless the transit of Russian natural gas was resumed, labeling Zelensky as an “enemy” and accusing him of creating “problems” for Slovakia.
Slovakia, which relied on a Soviet-era pipeline for up to 60% of its gas, has been severely impacted by Ukraine’s decision to stop the transit of Russian gas to Central Europe.
The Slovak prime minister stated that he intends to discuss this matter with the European Commission on Thursday. According to Fico, a viable solution to the dispute could involve acquiring gas at the Russian border and transporting it through Ukraine as Slovak property.
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
