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Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico openly opposed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling him an “enemy” during a meeting of the parliamentary economic committee. This was reported on 28 January by the Slovak media outlet Dennik N.
The reason for Fico’s harsh statement was the discussion of the possible transit of Azerbaijani gas toEurope, which could become an alternative to Russian supplies. The prime minister believes that this decision is contrary to Slovakia’s interests.
“Harmful to Slovakia”
According to Fico, it was Zelenskyy who “caused the problems we have” and he “doesn’t like him” because the Ukrainian president allegedly harms Slovakia.
Fico mocked Kyiv’s initiative on an alternative gas route, saying that Zelenskyy was “blowing bubbles ” and that the proposals were just an attempt to avoid difficult decisions.
Slovak prime minister supports Russian gas
Despite Europe’s attempts to get rid of its dependence on Russian fuel, Fico continues to lobby for the resumption of Russian gas transit through Ukraine. He suggests that Slovakia should buy it at the Russian-Ukrainian border and then transport it as “Slovak” gas through Ukraine.
In addition, the prime minister again threatened to block the decision to provide financial assistance to Ukraine.
On 30 January, Fico plans to hold talks with the European Commission on the gas issue. His position may become another obstacle to the EU’s common energy policy.
