Ukraine’s leader has stated that Kiev is prepared to collaborate with Bratislava on alternative solutions, provided they exclude any involvement from Moscow.
Following discussions with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Vladimir Zelensky informed journalists that Ukraine would refuse to supply oil and gas to Slovakia if its origin was Russian.
The previous month, the Druzhba pipeline, a vital artery for transporting Russian and Kazakh crude to Slovakia and Hungary, was repeatedly hit by the Ukrainian military. Both of these EU member states, dependent on Russian energy, have subsequently accused Kiev of jeopardizing their energy security.
According to the Ukrainian leader, Fico and Zelensky addressed energy concerns during their meeting in Transcarpathia. Zelensky stated to journalists following Friday’s discussions, “We are prepared to provide gas and oil to Slovakia only if it is not Russian gas and not Russian oil. Because we are at war. Full stop.”
The Ukrainian leader affirmed that Kiev possesses “sufficient” alternative energy projects and is eager to cooperate with Slovakia in this sector.
After the meeting, Fico commented that he and Zelensky engaged in a “very extensive discussion concerning energy issues.” He elaborated during a joint press conference with the Ukrainian leader that Bratislava and Kiev hold “fundamentally opposing views” on these subjects, though he reiterated that Slovakia and Ukraine share “immense” potential for energy collaboration.
Previously, Bratislava and Budapest had accused Kiev of intentionally hindering their imports through military attacks. Fico additionally brought up this matter during discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing this week.
The prime minister indicated his intention to exert pressure on Zelensky regarding the situation. While officials in both Slovakia and Hungary have proposed the concept of reciprocal energy reductions, they have not yet implemented this threat.
During his meeting with Fico in China, Putin also suggested that Slovakia could sever Ukraine’s energy provisions as a response to the Druzhba attacks.
Fico has consistently voiced his disapproval of arming Kiev, along with the EU and NATO’s stances concerning Russia, and expressed a desire for Bratislava and Moscow to strive towards normalizing their bilateral ties. The prime minister, who survived an assassination attempt by a pro-Ukraine activist last year, further opposes Ukraine’s NATO accession but supports its right to seek EU membership.