Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Tells Slovak PM Fico: Russian Gas Costs More Than Just Money – It Costs Independence

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy told Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico that he was making a mistake by choosing Russia over the United States and other partners that could provide his country with gas on commercial terms, Ukrinform reports.

‘For the information of the current Prime Minister of Slovakia. A few days ago, President Trump made a strong decision that will significantly increase US LNG exports, particularly to Europe. This is what we need for security and stability - more energy resources from partners for Europe,’ he said. 

The President of Ukraine emphasised that American LNG must be paid for with money, while Russian gas is paid for not only with money, but also with independence and sovereignty. Many people in Europe have already gone through this and chose to preserve their independence and sovereignty.

‘But not Mr Fico. He chooses Moscow over America and other partners who can provide his country with gas on commercial terms. This is his mistake. Everyone in Europe needs to be forward-thinking and develop relations that strengthen our nations,’ Zelenskyy concluded.

Earlier, the Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico recorded a video message to Volodymyr Zelenskyy and invited him to talks to discuss the issue of stopping the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy responded by inviting Fico to Kyiv for talks, but the Slovak prime minister did not confirm the visit.