Category
Latest news

Ukraine Summons Slovak Ambassador, Calls Fico a “Speaking Trumpet of the Kremlin”

2 min read
Authors
Ukraine Summons Slovak Ambassador, Calls Fico a “Speaking Trumpet of the Kremlin”
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico speaks to the media before talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the Chancellery on January 24, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Source: Getty Images)

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry summoned Slovak Ambassador Pavel Vízdal on January 30 to formally reject Bratislava’s allegations that Kyiv is meddling in Slovakia’s internal affairs.

Deputy Minister Olexandr Mischenko voiced deep disappointment, stating that Prime Minister Robert Fico is acting as a “speaking trumpet of the Kremlin” and, by disregarding Slovakia’s EU membership, is engaging in irrational actions.

This follows rising tensions between Fico and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Fico has intensified his rhetoric against Kyiv, particularly after the termination of Russian gas transit through Ukrainian territory on January 1.

Mischenko emphasized that such actions by Slovak officials are unacceptable, particularly amid Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine. He warned that such actions can also weaken the unity of the European Union and the Euro-Atlantic community in their efforts to counter the aggressor state.

“Deputy Minister emphasized that the Ukrainian people, who today pay with their lives for their freedom and the security of all of Europe, retain a deep gratitude to the people of Slovakia for all the support and assistance received since the beginning of the full-scale Russian aggression,” the Ministry’s press release concluded.

On January 28, Denník N reported that Fico called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “an enemy of Slovakia.”

“Our enemy is Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy caused the problems we have. I don’t like him because he is harming Slovakia,” Fico said.

Zelenskyy responded to the remarks made by Fico emphasizing the dangers of relying on Russian energy, singling out Fico’s approach as a misstep that may not align with the broader priorities of European independence and sovereignty.

See all