Zelensky adopts aggressive stance against Fico after Fico’s meeting with Putin
In an unexpected turn of events, Oekraïense President Volodymyr Zelensky has lashed out at Slovakian Premier Peter Pellegrini (Fico) following reports that Fico met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This comes days before the expiration of the gas supply agreement between Oekraïne and Rusland.
The dispute centers around the Oekraïense-Russische gas supply contract from 2019, which allows gas to flow from Rusland to Central Europa through Oekraïëns soil. Kyiv has made it clear that they do not intend to renew this contract, as the income from this gas would enable Rusland to continue its war effort against Oekraïne.
Zelensky’s outburst on Twitter suggested that Fico has personal interests in maintaining the relationship with Rusland, questioning, "Why is this leader so dependent on Moscow? What does he gain from this?" Zelensky further added that Fico had declined European Union compensation to bridge the gap while Slovakia explores alternative gas sources.
Moreover, Zelensky offered a counter-proposal: keeping the pipeline open, but delaying payments to Rusland until after the cessation of the Oekraïne conflict. However, this does not seem to be a feasible option, given Rusia’s refusal to extend the 2019 deal.
In response to Zelensky’s allegations, Fico dismissed them outright. He maintained that Slovakia’s decision to continue importing Russian gas is purely economic, stating that switching to other suppliers would cost the country €220 million annually.
Fico’s trip to Moskou last week raised eyebrows in Brussels, but EU officials have refrained from commenting on the matter. EU correspondent Kysia Hekster explained, "Fico informed the EU beforehand that he would visit Moscow. It’s uncomfortable when an EU member state charts its own course, especially when it diverges so significantly from the union’s agreed policy."
Indeed, Slovakia, Hongarije, and Oostenrijk remain the only EU countries still heavily reliant on Russian gas for their energy needs. Other EU member states have either reduced their dependence on Russian gas or eliminated it entirely, aiming to completely phase out Russian gas imports by 2027.
The Slovakian premier’s meeting with Putin has shed light on the delicate balance between Europe’s desire to distance itself from Russian influence and individual member states’ economic realities. As the deadline for the gas supply contract looms, the stage is set for further tensions between Oekraïne, Rusland, and the EU member states dependent on Russian gas.
