Zelenskyy Criticizes Slovakia’s PM Fico Over Moscow Visit Amid Gas Disputes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has launched a fierce critique of Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, following his controversial visit to Moscow on Sunday. The visit, aimed at discussing a “peaceful end” to the war in Ukraine and continuing Russian natural gas supplies to Slovakia, has sparked significant backlash both in Slovakia and internationally. Zelenskyy condemned Fico’s reluctance to break Slovakia’s dependency on Russian energy, accusing him of helping to weaken European unity and inadvertently aiding Russia’s war effort.

Zelenskyy’s Allegations: Gas Deals Funding War
Zelenskyy’s comments, made via a post on social media platform X, focused on Slovakia’s continued importation of Russian gas, which he claims directly benefits Putin’s regime. Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia uses the proceeds from these gas deals to fund its ongoing military campaign against Ukraine. The Ukrainian president accused Fico of contributing to this cycle by refusing to seek alternatives to Russian gas, thus prolonging Europe’s energy dependence on Moscow. According to Zelenskyy, Fico’s decision to engage in further gas deals with Russia directly contradicts the broader European goal of reducing energy reliance on the Kremlin.

The Ukrainian leader also suggested that Fico’s actions were financially motivated, with Slovakia receiving discounted gas prices from Russia, which Zelenskyy claims come at a price to Slovakia’s sovereignty. He added that these arrangements were “morally wrong” and were harming Ukraine’s struggle for independence.

Domestic Backlash: Slovaks Protest Against Fico
Fico’s Moscow visit has ignited widespread domestic protests in Slovakia, with thousands taking to the streets of Bratislava on Monday. Demonstrators accused the prime minister of betraying national interests by cozying up to Russia. They also criticized him for not aligning with European Union policies aimed at reducing dependence on Russian energy sources. Opposition leader Michal Šimečka called Fico’s actions a “shame” for Slovakia, accusing him of turning the country into a tool for Russian propaganda. Šimečka further argued that Fico should have been negotiating with Ukraine if gas was truly his primary concern, rather than siding with Putin.

The public outcry highlights the growing frustration in Slovakia over Fico’s handling of energy policy and his perceived failure to safeguard the country’s long-term energy security. Critics also point to Slovakia’s role within the EU and its obligations to support collective European efforts to end reliance on Russian energy.

Geopolitical Tensions and Fico’s Alignment with Putin
Fico’s visit to Moscow marks a rare instance of an EU leader engaging with Putin since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The meeting was seen as a significant diplomatic moment, especially given the ongoing EU efforts to isolate Russia economically and politically. Fico’s actions have thus raised concerns about Slovakia’s role within the EU and its commitment to European unity in the face of Russian aggression.

Zelenskyy’s accusations align with broader concerns within the EU that some member states are not fully aligned with collective efforts to reduce reliance on Russian energy. Slovakia’s continued importation of Russian gas, despite the EU’s push for energy diversification, has become a point of contention in the region. Fico’s decision to seek Russia’s continued cooperation on energy rather than exploring alternatives from other European or international sources has added fuel to the debate over Slovakia’s role in European energy security.

Russia’s Ongoing Military Aggression
As political tensions flare over energy issues, the broader geopolitical situation continues to evolve, with Russia making significant territorial advances in Ukraine. Ukrainian media reports that Russia has made substantial gains in the northeastern Kharkiv and eastern Donetsk regions, with several key cities falling under Russian control. Ukraine’s forces are struggling to regain territory as Russia’s military push continues, exacerbating the country’s challenges in defending its sovereignty.

Recent reports also suggest that Russia may be preparing a new counteroffensive, potentially involving troops from North Korea, which could further complicate Ukraine’s defensive efforts. These developments highlight the ongoing intensity of the war, which has drawn in not only military forces but also political tensions in Europe as countries like Slovakia grapple with their energy relationships with Russia.