Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has decided against visiting Kyiv to address the cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine, according to Deputy Speaker of the Slovak National Council, Tibor Gaspar. Gaspar, currently in Moscow with a Slovak parliamentary delegation, explained that concerns over security would likely prevent a meeting in Kyiv.
Earlier, Fico had proposed a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss the halted gas transit. He invited Zelensky in an open letter, suggesting they meet on Slovak territory near the Ukraine-Slovakia border “as soon as possible.” Fico emphasized that such a meeting could provide a solid foundation for discussions on gas supplies to Slovakia and other EU countries via Ukraine, as well as potential solutions after the expiration of the gas contract between Ukrainian and Russian companies on December 31, 2024.
In response, Zelensky invited Fico to Kyiv for a bilateral meeting, proposing a Friday meeting. Gaspar stated that both sides would agree on a suitable location for the discussions.
Fico has criticized Ukraine’s decision to stop gas transit on January 1, 2025, following the expiration of the contract, which he believes not only strains Slovak-Ukrainian relations but also impacts the European Union’s competitiveness. This decision, Fico argues, could harm the EU, which Ukraine is aiming to join. He also threatened to reduce Slovakia’s support for Ukraine, including electricity supplies and assistance to Ukrainian refugees.
The halted gas transit has sparked tensions, with Fico accusing Zelensky of acting unilaterally without consulting European Union bodies or affected EU states.
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