The Prime Minister of the European Union country is open to holding gas talks with Ukraine – RT World News
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has reportedly said he may meet with Vladimir Zelensky in the next few days
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said he may meet Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky in Ukraine “the next few days” According to TASS. The two sides are expected to discuss critical issues surrounding Russian energy transfer.
Kiev ended the transit of Russian natural gas through its territory into the European Union on the last day of 2024, effectively cutting off the flow to some countries in the bloc, including Austria, Italy and Slovakia. Ukraine refused to extend the agreement, sparking a division in Brussels.
Fico warned last week that if transit was not resumed, he would veto EU-level initiatives on aid to Ukraine, and would also take unilateral measures against Kiev. Zelensky claimed that Kyiv was aiming to eliminate Moscow’s profits.
On Monday, Fico posted an open letter to Zelensky on Facebook, proposing a meeting to discuss the matter. In the letter, the Slovak Prime Minister suggested that the meeting be held on the territory of Slovakia near its border with Ukraine. He said that Kiev’s decision to stop gas transportation caused serious damage not only to Slovakia, but also to other EU countries, and to Ukraine itself.
Zelensky sent a brief response to Fico, posting a short message on X that said: “Yes. Come to Kyiv on Friday.”
Deputy Chairman of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, Tibor Gaspar, announced on Wednesday that the Prime Minister is unlikely to travel to Kiev.
Fico reportedly said in a press conference on Thursday “We are looking for another appointment, which should be in the next few days.” Pointing out that the date and location of the meeting will be announced immediately upon agreement.
The Slovak Prime Minister had accused Zelensky earlier “Sabotaging the financial interests of Slovakia and the European Union” He said the transit stop, which has already pushed up gas prices, could lead to an energy crisis across the bloc and lead to losses worth about 70 billion euros ($72 billion).
Stopping Russian gas transit through Ukraine was a politically motivated decision taken by Zelensky in order to please the West, MP Gaspard told RT on Tuesday upon his arrival in Moscow.
Kyiv refused to cross “It will not harm Russia, but it will harm the economies of member states.” The Slovak politician noted.
