Zelenskyy in Davos criticises Slovak prime minister over "love" for Russian gas

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned the purchase of Russian gas, referencing Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Speaking about Europe’s security at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Zelenskyy stressed the need to ensure that no European country depends on a single energy supplier, especially Russia. He mentioned the statements of the newly incumbent US President Donald Trump about plans to increase energy exports.

Zelenskyy emphasised that Europe must "step up and do more long-term work to secure real energy independence".

"You can't keep buying gas from Moscow while also expecting security guarantees, help and back-up from the Americans. That’s just wrong. For example, the Prime Minister of Slovakia is not seeking access to the US gas, but doesn’t lose hope to enjoy the US security umbrella," he said.

The gas transit contract between Ukraine and Russia expired at the end of 2024 after Ukraine decided not to renew it.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has expanded the range of his threats against Ukraine following Kyiv's suspension of the transit of Russian natural gas via Ukraine.