Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued sharp criticism of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico following his recent visit to Moscow and meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The lack of public statements after their discussions has raised suspicions about the nature of the talks, with Zelenskyy suggesting that covert dealings may have been involved. He has urged Slovak intelligence services to investigate.
Zelenskyy accused Fico of prioritising personal interests over Slovakia’s national interests by attempting to negotiate directly with Russia. The Ukrainian leader’s concerns come against the backdrop of shifting relations between Kyiv and Bratislava since Fico’s government took office. Despite Fico’s anti-Ukrainian rhetoric during his election campaign, he initially sought to maintain balanced relations, even meeting Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. However, tensions have escalated, particularly over issues related to energy policy and gas transit.
Gas Transit Crisis
The main point of contention is the impending termination of Russian gas transit through Ukraine’s pipeline system, set to end on 1 January 2025. Both Moscow and Kyiv have shown little willingness to extend the current agreement, leaving Slovakia facing an energy crisis. Fico, who has historically supported maintaining energy ties with Russia, had hoped for a compromise between the two parties but now finds himself without a solution.
This development has reignited debates over Europe’s dependency on Russian energy. While most EU member states have moved to diversify their energy supplies, Slovakia and Hungary remain outliers. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán secured a bypass route via the TurkStream pipeline. Slovakia, lacking alternative arrangements, faces greater vulnerability.
Allegations of Impropriety
The situation took a dramatic turn when Fico accused Zelenskyy of attempting to offer financial incentives using frozen Russian assets. Zelenskyy countered that any discussions with Fico revolved around compensation mechanisms to offset Slovakia’s potential economic losses if it chose to distance itself from Russian gas. This clash has further strained relations, with Zelenskyy framing the Slovak leader’s actions as undermining European solidarity and Ukrainian resilience in the face of Russian aggression.
The European Commission has long encouraged member states to diversify their energy sources, urging a transition away from reliance on Russian gas. Slovakia’s continued dependence is seen as a hindrance to EU-wide energy security goals, especially at a time when European unity is critical to supporting Ukraine against Russia’s ongoing military aggression.
Broader Implications
Fico’s Moscow visit has drawn widespread condemnation beyond Ukraine. European Parliament members have criticised the Slovak Prime Minister for engaging with Putin at a time when Ukraine endures intensified Russian attacks aimed at crippling its energy infrastructure. Critics argue that such meetings weaken the collective European stance against Moscow.
Domestically, Fico’s coalition government, composed of populist and far-right parties, is facing political challenges. The coalition has already lost its parliamentary majority, increasing the likelihood of early elections. Opposition forces may capitalise on growing dissatisfaction with Fico’s leadership, including his perceived alignment with Moscow.
A Legacy of Ties with Russia
Slovakia’s historical ties to Russian energy are deeply rooted, dating back to the 1990s. Political careers have often been built on maintaining these connections. Fico, seen as a political successor to Vladimir Mečiar, Slovakia’s first Prime Minister, appears reluctant to sever these ties despite broader European trends. His trip to Moscow demonstrates his commitment to preserving relations with Russia, even as it isolates Slovakia on the European stage.
Outlook for Slovakia
The consequences of Fico’s policies extend beyond energy. His actions may jeopardise Slovakia’s relations with key European and NATO allies, as well as its commitment to EU principles. Should his government falter, there is speculation that future Slovak leaders may take a more critical stance towards Moscow and align more closely with European solidarity.
In the meantime, Zelenskyy’s pointed remarks highlight the stakes of Slovakia’s decisions.
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