Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss gas supplies.
The visit was a response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s statement opposing the transit of gas through Ukraine to Slovakia. Fico shared this information on his Facebook page.
The prime minister emphasized his commitment to sovereign policies and noted that EU leaders had been informed in advance about the purpose of his trip. According to Fico, banning gas transit harms Slovakia’s economy and jeopardizes its energy security. He also criticized Zelensky’s initiative to impose sanctions on Russia’s nuclear program, which, in Fico’s view, threatens electricity production at Slovak nuclear power plants.
Vladimir Putin confirmed Russia’s readiness to continue supplying gas to Slovakia and Western countries but noted that this could become difficult after the current contract expires in December 2024 due to Kyiv’s position.
The two leaders also discussed the situation in Ukraine, prospects for a peaceful resolution of the conflict, and bilateral relations.
