Ukraine Criticizes Slovakia’s PM Fico for Undermining Europe’s Energy Independence

The weakness, dependency, and shortsightedness of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s energy policy pose risks to all of Europe, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported in an official press release on December 23.

“For years, Russia has weaponized energy, using it as a political lever, a tool for intimidation and humiliation of sovereign nations, and a means of fostering corruption, dependency, and blackmail in its dealings with foreign politicians,” the press release reads.

The Ministry noted that the overarching European trend has been to shift away from Russian energy resources and put effort into enhancing energy independence.

“Thus, the Slovak Prime Minister’s persistent efforts to maintain energy dependence on Moscow, contrary to EU policy and the collective work of European nations to diversify energy supply, are perplexing,” the Ministry’s statement continues.

According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, over the past year, Fico’s actions have effectively aimed to assist Russia in continuing to push American and other non-Russian gas out of the European market.

“Ukraine is paying the highest price—the price of human lives—to contain Russian aggression and defend European homes, including those in Slovakia, from Russian invaders,“ the statement said. “We call on all European partners to work together to reduce dependence on Russian energy resources and strengthen Europe’s energy security.”

On December 23, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico for his reliance on Russia, citing Fico’s recent meeting with Putin in Moscow.