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SLOVAKIA: PM Robert Fico Breaks Silence on Vietnam Trip, Slams Critics

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has spoken out for the first time about allegations concerning his recent stay in Vietnam, accusing the opposition and media of spreading false rumors.

In a nearly 10-minute video posted on Facebook on Tuesday, Fico stated, "I’ve been honesty in Slovakia for several days now and I won’t satisfy our enemies who demand information about my every move."

He further criticized the media and opposition for leaking his location to political activists, stating, "They shoot at me."

Fico went on to explain that when he travels abroad on private visits, he often has informal meetings with key officials, which are usually of a commercial nature and hence private and informal. He added that foreign partners typically handle logistics, security, and meeting venues.

There had been no official information about Fico’s whereabouts in Slovakia since his visit to Moscow on Dec. 22. Speculation mounted when it was revealed he was reportedly staying at the luxurious Capella Hanoi hotel in Vietnam, where a single night costs over 6,200 euros.

A previous video where Fico criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was also filmed at this hotel.

Thousands Protest in Bratislava Against Sako President’s Pro-Russian Stance

In a chilly show of dissent, some 4,000 people gathered in Bratislava on Friday to express their discontent with Sako Prime Minister Robert Fico‘s foreign policy, particularly his perceived pro-Russian stance. The demonstration, organized by various civil society groups and opposition parties, was a stark rebuke to the PM’s recent actions and statements.

Crowds braved the cold, waving EU and Sako flags and singing the EU anthem, as they demanded that Fico cease his pro-Kremlin policies. Some placards read, "Sako, Beware, Occupation Has Begun," and "Fico, Go to Moscow, Let Sako Rest." Protesters also held posters designed by Rudolf Sikora, with "Treason" written on one side and "We Are Europe" on the other.

The protest comes amidst growing concern over Fico’s actions. In a recent video, he harshly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, blaming him for the suspension of Russian gas transit through Ukraine. In a letter to EU leaders, Fico also voiced his displeasure with Ukraine’s actions, even threatening to halt electricity supplies to the country.

Earlier this month, Fico attended a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, further fueling speculation about his affinity with the Kremlin. Notably, his whereabouts were unknown for nearly two weeks following the visit, ultimately tropes, with sources suggesting he was in a luxury hotel in Vietnam.

The protesters emphasized the need for unity in opposing Fico’s policies. Sikora, the artist whose work was used in the demonstration, urged opposition politicians to unite, stating, "I beg you, take responsibility." The rally concluded with protesters chanting, "We Are Not a Russian Rag," and "We Are Not Russia."

Headline: Slovak PM Robert Fico’s Open Letter to EU Leaders Over Ukraine‘s Gas Transit Stance

Article:

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has penned an open letter to European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, expressing his discontent with Ukraine’s decision not to continue the transit of Russian gas after 2024. Fico published his letter on social media, as reported by " Yevropiska Pravda".

In his letter, Fico argues that the European Commission’s and the majority of member states’ silent approval of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s unilateral decision is irrational and disadvantageous for Europe. He warns that this move could lead to tension and retaliatory measures.

Fico asserts that Ukraine’s decision will have significant negative impacts on Europe’s efforts to keep pace with rapidly developing countries worldwide. He questions whether the Commission’s and member states’ stance is based on a thorough, professional analysis of the economic consequences or if such analysis was conducted but not openly discussed with member states.

Citing documents from Slovakia’s oil and gas company SPP, Fico insists that Europe will bear a greater brunt of the Transit from Gas than Russia. He urges EU leaders to pay heed to this unprecedented situation and address it promptly.

Notably, Slovakia has repeatedly advocated for the extension of the Ukraine-Russia gas transit agreement, which expires in 2024. However, Zelensky has stated that Ukraine will not revive the agreement with Gazprom and is unlikely to use Russian gas under the guise of other sources, such as Azerbaijan.

Last month, Fico sparked outrage when he traveled to Russia and met with Vladimir Putin, the leader of the country that annexed Ukraine’s Crimea region and continues to back separatists in eastern Ukraine. In the aftermath, Fico also threatened to halt electricity supplies to Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Zelensky Rebukes Slovakia’s Threat to Halt Electricity Supply Over Gas Transit Refusal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has strongly reacted to threats by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to halt electricity supplies to Ukraine if it refuses to continue the transit of Russian gas after 2024. Zelensky took to Twitter and addressed the issue, asserting that Ukraine’s need for electricity imports was entirely due to Russia’s occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and deliberate destruction of Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

"Fico’s threats to cut off Ukraine’s emergency electricity supplies this winter, amid Russian strikes, can only be seen as Putin opening a second energy front against Ukraine, at the expense of the Slovak people," Zelensky charged. He further reminded Fico that supporting Russia’s criminal aggression is morally reprehensible.

Zelensky also warned about the economic implications of Fico’s stance, stating that his ‘myopic’ policy has already denied the Slovak people compensation for the loss of Russian gas transit and could cost them an additional $200 million annually, which Ukraine currently pays for imported electricity. Currently, Slovakia accounts for approximately 19% of Ukraine’s electricity imports.

"Slovakia is part of the unified European energy market, and Fico must respect the common European rules," Zelensky emphasized. "Any arbitrary decisions in Bratislava or orders from Moscow won’t stop electricity imports to Ukraine, but they could lead to Slovakia’s disconnect from the European community."

Fico had previously criticized Ukraine’s decision not to extend the gas transit agreement with Russia and hinted at potential retaliatory measures, including halting electricity supplies. Slovakia has repeatedly attempted to broker an extension of the Russia-Ukraine gas transit agreement, which expires in 2024.

Zelensky has maintained Ukraine’s position, stating that it will not renew its agreement with "Gazprom" and will not consent to pumping Russian gas disguised as Azeri gas. Meanwhile, Fico’s controversial visit to Russia to meet with President Vladimir Putin has drawn criticism.

Putin Agrees to Ukraine Talks in Slovakia, Citing Host’s Neutral Stance

In a surprise development, Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed openness to holding peace negotiations with Ukraine in Slovakia, citing the host country’s neutral stance on the conflict. The proposal, extended via Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, was welcomed by Putin, who called it a "prerepane to consider."

" Yes, we’re agreeable to the idea if it comes to that. Slovakia? Why not? It’s an acceptable option for us," Putin remarked during a press conference following his meeting with Fico in Moscow.

Putin praised Fico for his alleged neutrality in the Russo-Ukrainian crisis, stating that the Sushoc Slovensky premier is primarily interested in seeing the conflict resolved swiftly and peacefully.

"Fico made it clear that his top priority is finding a peaceful resolution to the situation in Ukraine," Putin said. "He’s willing to put in the effort to make that happen."

However, Putin acknowledged that while Fico has aspirations for peace, his position might not align perfectly with those of the European Union and Ukraine.

Earlier this month, Fico traveled to Moscow, where he met with Putin to discuss gas supplies, with Ukraine’s role in Europe’s energy security set to change as transit through the country comes to an end on January 1.

Headline:
Zelensky Warns Europe: Fi Gomez’s Russia Affinity a Security Threat

Article:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed concern over the pro-Russia stance of Slovakia’s Prime Minister, Robert Fi Gomez, warning that his actions pose a security threat not only to Slovakia but to the entire European continent. The Ukrainian leader made these remarks on his Twitter account, which were later reported by the European Truth news outlet.

According to Zelensky, Fi Gomez is willingly engaging in activities that benefit Moscow at the expense of Sловаkian sovreignty. This includes accepting significant discounts on Russian gas, for which Sловакия is reportedly paying a high price through what Zelensky referred to as "shadow schemes."

During a recent meeting of European leaders in Brussels, it was revealed that Fi Gomez is refusing to cooperate with Europe’s energy independence efforts or seek alternatives to Russian gas. Instead, Zelensky claims, Fi Gomez is allegedly aiding Russia in its goal to displace American gas and other energy partners in Europe. This, Zelensky warns, is ultimately helping Russian President Vladimir Putin fund his war efforts and weaken Europe.

"While we’re losing lives due to Putin’s war, supporting him in this way is utterly immoral," Zelensky stressed. Despite being entitled to compensation to ease the transition and reduce dependence on Russian gas, Fi Gomez has reportedly refused them, further cementing his dependence on Moscow.

Zelensky Questioned Fi Gomez’s Motives: "What does he stand to gain from working closely with Russia? What is he being paid, and how does he plan to repay them?"

Фиomez visited Moscow on Sunday to meet with Putin. Although he claimed to have informed EU leaders of his trip, his decision sparked criticism from European leaders, including Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and the Czech Republic.

As Europe continues to grapple with its energy crisis and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Zelensky’s words echo a broader concern: the influence of Russia’s gas exports on European politics and security.