Fico slams Zelenskyy, signals to block loan to Ukraine
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (photo: Getty Images)
Slovakia may block further loans to Ukraine. The government also criticized EU leadership and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over the oil supply situation, Aktuality reports, citing Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Stance on loans and EU
According to the media, Fico expressed support for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who is blocking the €90 billion loan to Ukraine.
The Slovak premier noted that Slovakia could also take similar action in the future to block financial assistance.
He also called for changes in EU leadership, criticizing European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, suggesting that leaders of major countries, such as French President Emmanuel Macron, should play a leading role in the EU.
Oil blackmail, criticism of Zelenskyy
The Slovak prime minister accused Ukraine of halting operations on the Druzhba pipeline, which stopped Russian oil shipments to Slovakia and Hungary on January 27.
According to him, restoring supply depends entirely on Volodymyr Zelenskyy's decision.
"I will not let Zelenskyy pull me by the nose. You can't just say, 'Robert, you're unpopular in Kyiv, so come visit me.' I am not a suicide," Fico said, explaining his refusal to visit the Ukrainian capital.
He also warned that the fuel crisis would drive up food prices but rejected responsibility for his government, calling it a consequence of the global situation.
Blocking aid, oil crisis
On March 19, an EU leaders' summit took place in Brussels, with the aid to Ukraine as a key topic. However, negotiations on the €90 billion loan effectively failed, as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán did not lift his veto.
Following the summit, Robert Fico said that leaders "spent all day talking about Ukraine" but made no progress on restoring Russian oil supply through the Druzhba pipeline.
Earlier, on February 27, Zelenskyy and Fico spoke by phone amid energy disputes, during which Ukraine's leader invited the Slovak premier to Kyiv to discuss outstanding issues, but no agreement on a visit was reached.
