The Prime Minister of the European Union threatens to use his veto on aid to Ukraine – RT World News

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said Bratislava may veto initiatives involving the European Union to help Kiev, as well as take unilateral measures against it, warning Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky against harming the bloc. “For political reasons”

The prime minister issued the threat on Sunday during an interview with local Ta3 radio while speaking about the ongoing dispute over gas transportation with Kiev. Ukraine chose to end the transit of Russian natural gas into the European Union starting this year, effectively cutting off the flow to some EU countries, including Austria, Italy, and Slovakia.

He added: “If President Zelensky decides to harm the entire European Union for purely political reasons, I speak on behalf of the Slovak government that when some aid to Ukraine is on the negotiating table, I will veto it.” Vico warned.

Fico stated that other retaliatory measures against Kiev could include halting emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine, halting the delivery of humanitarian aid or reducing aid received by Ukrainian refugees residing in Slovakia.

The Prime Minister repeated his allegations against Kyiv, claiming that half of the money sent to Ukraine was “estimated” To be stolen. When asked to clarify, Fico did not provide specific details, arguing that the rampant corruption in Ukraine is common knowledge.

Fico has long criticized continued Western aid to Kiev, arguing that Ukraine cannot defeat Russia on the battlefield and must instead seek a diplomatic solution to the conflict. Immediately after taking office in late 2023, Fico halted military aid to Ukraine and vowed to veto the country’s potential entry into the US-led NATO bloc.

Already tense relations between Bratislava and Kiev have deteriorated further amid the gas row. Landlocked Slovakia relies heavily on Russian supplies, getting more than 50% of its gas needs through the Ukrainian transportation system.

Earlier this week, Fico admitted that he had… “sick” Sometimes, Zelensky said, it wasn’t “Here to hold hands” With him. “He roams Europe as a beggar and blackmailer, demanding money from others.” Fico told the Slovak Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee. “This has to stop.”

Ukraine refused to renew the gas contract under the slogan of eliminating Russia’s profits. Prime Minister Denis Shmygal confirmed last week that Kiev had no plans to sign another contract with Moscow.