SLOVAK PM FICO MEETS WITH PUTIN, DISCUSSES UKRAINE, GAS TRANSIT
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has announced that he held a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, discussing Ukraine‘s ongoing conflict, potential gas transit routes, and bilateral relations. Fico revealed this on his Facebook page, claiming he had previously informed European leaders of his plans to visit the Russian leader.
In the meeting, Fico asserted that the Ukrainian President’s stance against any gas transit through Ukraine to Slovakia, and his support for sanctions against Russia‘s nuclear program, would inflict financial harm on Slovakia. The Russian leader, according to Fico, reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to continue gas supplies to Europe, despite the challenges posed by Ukraine’s position after January 1, 2025.
The duo also exchanged views on the military situation in Ukraine and explored avenues for a swift resolution to the conflict, 몰랐 as well as addressing mutual relations between Slovakia and Russia.
The visit to Moscow, which took place on December 22, was initially reported by Russian propaganda. Earlier, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic had hinted at such a possibility, citing his own sources and suggesting it was an attempt to negotiate a gas transit deal.
While Russian officials did not divulge specific details of the meeting, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not rule out the possibility that gas transit was on the agenda.
The impending expiration of the Ukrainian-Russian gas transit contract next year has sparked concern in Europe, with Hungary and Slovakia advocating for its renewal. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasized his country’s refusal to extend the contract, citing its opposition to providing Russia with additional revenues that could fund its war against Ukraine.
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