Zelensky delivers brief response to proposal from PM of EU country
Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico extended an invitation to Ukrainian President Zelensky to discuss the Russian gas transit situation on Monday, but the response he received was impolite. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
On Monday, Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico extended an invitation to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky for discussions regarding the critical issue of Russian gas transit.
Zelensky's response was notably curt in addressing Fico’s offer for constructive dialogue on the topic. Kiev has made the decision to end the transit of Russian natural gas through its territory to the European Union by the conclusion of 2024, which will effectively disrupt supplies to several countries in the bloc, such as Austria, Italy, and Slovakia. This decision has triggered tensions in Brussels, with Fico indicating that he would block EU-wide initiatives aimed at assisting Ukraine and take unilateral action against Kiev.
Fico took to Facebook on Monday to publish an open letter inviting Zelensky to engage in talks. He proposed that the meeting take place in Slovakia, near the border with Ukraine. In his post, Fico stated, “Allow me to invite you to negotiations, preferably as soon as possible,” emphasizing that Bratislava hopes to maintain a constructive dialogue grounded in mutual respect.
Zelensky's reply came via a brief message on X: “Ok. Come to Kyiv on Friday,” and he included a screenshot of Fico’s letter.
Kiev’s choice to stop the transit of Russian gas through its pipelines has incited controversy, especially with Slovakia, which heavily depends on this route for its energy. Fico has previously accused Zelensky of “sabotaging the financial interests of Slovakia and the EU,” arguing that the cessation of transit could lead to an energy crisis across the region and inflict damages amounting to approximately €70 billion.
The Slovak PM has called for compensation from Kiev and has threatened reprisals, which could include cutting off electricity supplies and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
In response, Zelensky contended that the decision not to extend the gas contract with Russian energy company Gazprom was part of a strategy to reduce Moscow's earnings. Earlier this week, Fico admitted to feeling "sick" of Zelensky’s approach, asserting, “I am not here to hold hands” with the Ukrainian leader and criticizing him for “roaming Europe begging and blackmailing, asking others for money.”
Despite the ongoing tensions, Slovakia continues to receive Russian gas through the TurkStream pipeline, which transports gas from Russia to Türkiye, running under the Black Sea. Several southern European countries use this route for their energy supply.
On the same day, Russia accused Ukraine of attempting a drone attack on a pivotal gas compressor station in Krasnodar Region, vital for the pipeline's operation. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov characterized the incident as part of Ukraine's ongoing “energy terrorism” policy.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
Zelensky's response was notably curt in addressing Fico’s offer for constructive dialogue on the topic. Kiev has made the decision to end the transit of Russian natural gas through its territory to the European Union by the conclusion of 2024, which will effectively disrupt supplies to several countries in the bloc, such as Austria, Italy, and Slovakia. This decision has triggered tensions in Brussels, with Fico indicating that he would block EU-wide initiatives aimed at assisting Ukraine and take unilateral action against Kiev.
Fico took to Facebook on Monday to publish an open letter inviting Zelensky to engage in talks. He proposed that the meeting take place in Slovakia, near the border with Ukraine. In his post, Fico stated, “Allow me to invite you to negotiations, preferably as soon as possible,” emphasizing that Bratislava hopes to maintain a constructive dialogue grounded in mutual respect.
Zelensky's reply came via a brief message on X: “Ok. Come to Kyiv on Friday,” and he included a screenshot of Fico’s letter.
Kiev’s choice to stop the transit of Russian gas through its pipelines has incited controversy, especially with Slovakia, which heavily depends on this route for its energy. Fico has previously accused Zelensky of “sabotaging the financial interests of Slovakia and the EU,” arguing that the cessation of transit could lead to an energy crisis across the region and inflict damages amounting to approximately €70 billion.
The Slovak PM has called for compensation from Kiev and has threatened reprisals, which could include cutting off electricity supplies and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
In response, Zelensky contended that the decision not to extend the gas contract with Russian energy company Gazprom was part of a strategy to reduce Moscow's earnings. Earlier this week, Fico admitted to feeling "sick" of Zelensky’s approach, asserting, “I am not here to hold hands” with the Ukrainian leader and criticizing him for “roaming Europe begging and blackmailing, asking others for money.”
Despite the ongoing tensions, Slovakia continues to receive Russian gas through the TurkStream pipeline, which transports gas from Russia to Türkiye, running under the Black Sea. Several southern European countries use this route for their energy supply.
On the same day, Russia accused Ukraine of attempting a drone attack on a pivotal gas compressor station in Krasnodar Region, vital for the pipeline's operation. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov characterized the incident as part of Ukraine's ongoing “energy terrorism” policy.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
