According to Mehr News Agency, citing France 24, Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, referred to the continued Russian gas exports to Slovakia, saying that Robert Fico, the Prime Minister of this country, is seeking help from Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia.
Zelensky stated that European Union leaders witnessed Fico in his Monday trip to Moscow opposing reducing dependence on Russian energy, indirectly meaning he is "seeking help from Putin for more money to cover war expenses and weaken Europe."
"We believe that such aid to Putin is unethical. We have proposed solutions to compensate for the damage caused by the non-transfer of Russian gas, including possible compensation payments to Slovakia and specifically to the people of this country," he added. At the request of the European Commission, options for gas transit from any country other than Russia were also discussed.
Slovakia is heavily dependent on Russian gas, and with the expiration of the Russian gas transit contract through Ukraine to this country on December 31, concerns among its officials have intensified. Ukraine has clearly stated that it will not renew the contract.
Zelensky further added that Fico did not want compensation for the Slovaks and, moreover, does not intend to cooperate with the European Commission.
Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, said yesterday about this issue to reporters: "The situation is very difficult and requires more attention."
Fico is one of the few European leaders who has maintained friendly relations with Putin since Moscow's attack on Ukraine in February 2022.
