Zelenskyy criticises Fico's visit to Putin: Discounts on gas through sovereignty

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's desire to do business with Russia is a security issue for both Slovakia and the whole of Europe.

Zelenskyy noted on X (Twitter) that Moscow provides significant discounts for Fico, but Slovakia pays for them.

"Such discounts are not free–payments to Russia are made through sovereignty or murky schemes. This should be a matter of concern for Slovakia's law enforcement and special services," he wrote.

Zelenskyy said that the details of such financing were disclosed during a recent meeting of European leaders in Brussels.

The leaders noted that Fico does not want to participate in joint European efforts to achieve energy independence or find a replacement for Russian gas, but rather wants to back up Russia in pushing American gas and other partners' energy resources out of Europe, indicating, as Zelenskyy suggested, that he wants to help Putin finance the war and weaken Europe.

"We are losing people as a result of the war that Putin started, and we believe that such assistance to Putin is immoral," he noted.

Zelenskyy stressed that Fico even refused compensation that would have eased the transition period and helped him get rid of his country’s reliance on Russian gas. Zelenskyy said that this meant that this is not a security issue for Fico.

"That is why his key goal is to deal with Russia, and this is what benefits him. This is indeed a big security issue – both for Slovakia and the entire Europe. Why is this leader so dependent on Moscow? What is being paid to him, and what does he pay with?" he asked.

On Sunday, 22 December, Robert Fico arrived in Moscow to meet with Russian ruler Vladimir Putin. He said he had informed EU leaders about his visit.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda criticised Fico's visit, and Czechia also reacted negatively.