Ukraine open to dialogue with Slovakia, including energy security issues - Zelenskyy
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukraine is ready for dialogue with Slovakia, particularly on energy security. However, it expects positive signals from its neighboring country, stated President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting with the leader of Slovakia's opposition.
Today, Zelenskyy met in Kyiv with the head of the Progressive Slovakia party Michal Šimečka.
"We are ready to welcome the leader of our friends, the Slovak people. Another leader (Prime Minister Robert Fico - ed.) has come, and we are pleased. We highly value the relationship between our countries. Your visit signals that you will continue to support our territorial integrity and sovereignty," Zelenskyy stated.
He assured that Ukraine is open to dialogue with Slovakia, especially regarding energy security.
"I understand this is a sensitive issue. Of course, we are very open. We are ready to assist Slovaks with energy stability and security. But it’s crucial for us to hear signals from Slovakia that you also support Ukraine’s path toward the EU and NATO. This is important to us," he added.
According to Slovak media, the purpose of Šimečka’s visit was to hold bilateral talks. "Our goal is clear: to reopen doors that Fico has closed with his aggressive rhetoric. Slovakia and Ukraine are close partners and know how to help each other," Šimečka noted.
This week, members of the coalition party Hlas, who disagree with Fico's policies, were also expected to visit Kyiv. However, the delegation postponed the trip citing "security concerns." The visit was intended to demonstrate their continued support for Slovakia's pro-Western course.
Who is Michal Šimečka?
Michal Šimečka has been leading the Progressive Slovakia party since 2022. This party previously nominated Zuzana Čaputová, known for her pro-Ukrainian position, as its presidential candidate in 2019.
The party's electorate is made up of progressive young people from urban areas who want to see a modern European Slovakia with an open economy. The party is committed to strengthening ties with Western partners within NATO and the EU while providing comprehensive support to Ukraine.
In the fall 2023 elections, Progressive Slovakia secured second place with 18% of the vote, gaining 33 seats in the 150-member parliament. The party is currently in opposition to Robert Fico's government.
Recently, the Slovak opposition, including Progressive Slovakia, initiated a vote of no confidence against Fico's government, citing its anti-Ukrainian policies and meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
On Monday, Fico offered Zelenskyy a meeting on Slovak territory near the border to discuss the halt of Russian gas transit through Ukraine, scheduled for January 1, 2025.
Zelenskyy agreed to the meeting but invited Fico to Kyiv instead. Fico declined the invitation, stating, “We are looking for another date, which should be in the next few days."
