Ukraine to offer Slovakia alternative energy support excluding Russian supplies, Zelenskyy says
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukraine will propose alternative energy support measures to Slovakia as early as October, aiming to provide options beyond Russian gas and oil, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in response to a question from RBC-Ukraine.
He emphasized that Ukraine seeks stable relations with all EU partners and NATO members, with Slovakia being a key partner.
Ukraine is ready to assist Bratislava in securing alternative gas and oil supplies, excluding Russian sources.
"I have coordinated with Prime Minister Fico. I fully support a meeting of our governments, scheduled, I believe, for October. Government officials will convene in Slovakia, where Ukraine can propose and present alternative steps for energy support. These measures do not involve Russian oil or gas," Zelenskyy said.
He added that Ukraine could also engage with Hungary. However, Budapest has taken no concrete steps beyond isolated media statements, which do not indicate support for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy also addressed the incident involving Hungarian reconnaissance drones.
"One drone was detected, and there were related movements. I see no constructive actions from the Hungarian leadership, not the population, but the authorities. Nonetheless, we remain open to dialogue," he said.
Slovakia may phase out Russian energy
Earlier, Zelenskyy noted that Slovakia could halt purchases of Russian oil and gas if it had viable alternatives.
He expressed skepticism that Bratislava is ready for such a move now, but did not rule out the possibility in the future.
Just over a week ago, Slovakia's Minister of Economy Denisa Saková said that reducing energy imports from Russia is feasible, but only if reliable alternatives and sufficient infrastructure are in place.
