Zelenskyy Meets Fico, Labels Discussion Meaningful
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, during which the parties discussed key issues of bilateral relations and international cooperation.
The Gaze reports on it, referring to Ukrinform.
According to Zelenskyy, the conversation with the head of the Slovak government was meaningful and constructive. The President stressed the importance of maintaining open dialogue between the countries and expressed his willingness to continue regular contacts at the highest level.
“Thank you for this visit. We had a meaningful conversation. It is important that we have this dialogue. We will continue it,” Zelenskyy said.
In addition, the Ukrainian leader informed Fico about the results of his recent conversation with US President Donald Trump, as well as the results of the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing. According to him, these are important topics for coordinating Ukraine's positions with international partners and strengthening joint efforts for security.
During a briefing, Zelenskyy noted that Slovakia had confirmed its readiness to support Ukraine and other partners in their efforts to achieve peace.
"We in Ukraine want peace. We count on support for our peace efforts. Robert assured us that Slovakia will stand with us and other partners in working for peace," he said.
The Ukrainian President also discussed with the Slovak side the issue of security guarantees for Ukraine and believes it is right for Slovakia to join the new European security system, along with other countries that are already participating in the guarantees.
Moreover, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is prepared to supply gas and oil to Slovakia, provided that they are not of Russian origin.
“We discussed energy with the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, Mr. Fico. We are ready to supply gas and oil to Slovakia – as long as it is not Russian gas or Russian oil. Because we are at war. Period,” he said.
The Ukrainian President stressed that due to the war, there are currently difficulties, but Ukraine has enough alternatives and is ready to work on energy cooperation.
At the same time, he noted that Ukraine is responding to Russian attacks on its energy facilities.
“And it will continue to respond. But we want this war to end,” Zelenskyy said.
On the same day, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Georgiy Tykhyi said at a briefing that Ukraine is open to dialogue with Slovakia on issues of concern to the Slovak side.
He emphasized that there are a number of important economic, infrastructure, and energy projects between Ukraine and Slovakia that benefit both countries, and their development requires mutual respect and support, particularly with regard to European integration and integration into NATO.
Tykhyi also noted that the transportation of resources through the Russian Federation is solely the responsibility of Russia due to its aggressive actions.
“If the Russian Federation started a war of aggression and created a danger for this transportation, this is a problem for the Russian Federation. This is the starting point,” the Foreign Ministry spokesman stressed.
As The Gaze informed earlier, Slovakia has announced its intention to normalize relations with Russia and increase gas imports via the Turkish Stream pipeline, contrary to the EU's position.