Slovak MFA calls Zelenskyy's reaction to Fico's remarks 'exaggerated': Details
Photo: The Slovak Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to Zelenskyy's reaction to Fico's remarks (mzv.sk)
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico previously stated that Slovakia would refuse to supply electricity to Ukraine if the transit of Russian gas were halted. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted to this statement, but Slovakia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs called his response "exaggerated," according to a statement by Slovakia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Twitter (X).
The Ministry described Zelenskyy's comments about "opening a second energy front" not only as "exaggerated" but also as "speculation."
In its statement, the Ministry emphasized that Slovakia firmly rejects accusations of "alliance with Vladimir Putin," calling them "fabricated." It also underscored the "priority" of Slovak-Ukrainian energy cooperation.
Furthermore, the statement noted that Slovak companies supply electricity to Ukraine exclusively "on a commercial basis," as Slovakia is unable to "finance" its neighboring state.
The Ministry also reminded that Slovakia has been providing humanitarian aid to those affected in Ukraine since the beginning of the war and will continue to do so within its capabilities.
However, it highlighted that Ukraine receives "significant revenues" from the transit of Russian gas through its territory.
"Moreover, our Ukrainian colleagues in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should not ignore the fact that the Russian gas transported through Ukraine's territory brings substantial revenue, which is critically important for the country's economy," the Ministry stated.
It also added that Ukraine should "refrain" from allegedly "creating" new adversaries for itself.
Slovak diplomats assured that their government supports Ukraine but reserves the right to make decisions that, in their view, "protect the strategic interests" of Slovakia, its citizens, and the EU.
"The Government of the Slovak Republic has a duty to defend primarily the strategic interests of our country, our citizens, and the European Union. It will act accordingly, regardless of whether the Ukrainian side approves or not," the statement concluded.
What preceded
Recently, on December 27, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico made a statement that after January 1, Slovakia would assess the situation and, if necessary, might halt electricity supplies to Ukraine during a time when the country needs it due to Russian missile attacks.
Fico justified his position with "economic risks" associated with the potential cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine. According to him, such a decision would cost the European Union an "additional €120 billion" for energy over the next two years.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded sharply to these remarks, accusing Fico of actions that play into Russia's hands.
He added that, based on Fico's statements, one might get the impression that Putin had tasked him with opening a second energy front against Ukraine at the expense of the Slovak people’s interests.
Earlier, it was reported that Fico’s threats to halt electricity supplies would not affect Ukraine’s energy security.
Additionally, on December 30, it became known that Fico had written a complaint letter to European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regarding Ukraine’s refusal to continue Russian gas transit beyond 2024.
