Fico claims that Zelenskyy allegedly tried to bribe him - Politico
Robert Fico (photo: Getty Images)
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of attempting to bribe him. The Ukrainian leader allegedly offered him money from Russian assets in exchange for NATO membership, reports Politico.
According to Fico, after he told Zelenskyy that Slovakia could lose about 500 million euros annually in gas transit fees, the Ukrainian president allegedly asked him if he would vote for Ukraine's NATO membership if he provided him with 500 million euros from Russian assets.
"And of course, I said 'never,'" Fico responded, based on his own words.
After their meeting, the Slovakian prime minister told reporters that Zelenskyy's proposals, made behind closed doors, were absurd. He also suggested that Ukraine dares to harm the economy of an EU member country.
Fico seeks to continue Russian gas supplies through Ukraine
It should be noted that Ukraine has not extended the contract for the transit of Russian gas through its territory. The agreement expires at the end of this year, meaning that gas deliveries currently in operation will cease starting in 2025.
On Thursday, December 19, Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated that the country would not renew the transit agreement. He added that the only possible solution to the situation could be the transit of non-Russian gas.
In response, yesterday, December 20, Fico threatened that Slovakia might consider retaliatory measures against Ukraine if the Ukrainian state does not continue the transit of Russian gas to Europe.
