Slovak PM Fico Invites Zelenskyy to Border Talks on Russian Gas Transit

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to a meeting to discuss the halt of Russian gas transit through Ukrainian territory. The statement was published on Fico’s Facebook page on January 13.

According to him, the meeting could take place "preferably as soon as possible" on Slovak soil near the border with Ukraine.

“This meeting would provide a solid foundation for an open discussion about gas supplies to Slovakia and other countries via Ukrainian territory, potential technical solutions in light of the contract between relevant Ukrainian and Russian companies expiring on December 31, 2024, the impact of halting gas transit through Ukraine on European economic competitiveness, and the development of Slovak-Ukrainian bilateral relations,” the statement reads.

“During all my foreign visits, I stress the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities, support existing peace plans, and propose that peace negotiations at any level be held in Slovakia,” the Slovak PM noted.

He further highlighted that Slovakia is losing €500 million annually due to the cessation of gas transit. He argued that this also affects “the competitiveness of the European Union, an organization Ukraine aspires to join.”

Earlier this week, Fico referred to Zelenskyy as a “beggar and blackmailer” and referenced grievances related to former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed remarks made by Fico, emphasizing that Slovak Prime Minister rejected Ukraine’s offer to help mitigate the effects of halting Russian gas supplies on X on January 12. Fico also emphasized that he would not respond to Zelenskyy’s message to “avoid further escalating tensions.”