Zelenskyy: “Fico Is Dragging Slovakia Into Russia’s Attempts to Cause More Suffering for Ukrainians”

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed concern over threats made by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to halt electricity imports to Ukraine, suggesting that these actions align with Russian interests.

In a statement, Zelenskyy indicated that these moves could be seen as an attempt to “open a second energy front” against Ukraine, prioritizing Russia’s agenda over the needs of the Slovak people.

Zelenskyy clarified that Ukraine’s need to import electricity is a direct result of Russia’s occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and the targeted destruction of critical Ukrainian power infrastructure, including thermal and hydroelectric plants, by Russian missile strikes and drones.

“Fico is dragging Slovakia into Russia’s attempts to cause more suffering for Ukrainians,” Zelenskyy stated.

These circumstances have left Ukraine reliant on electricity imports to maintain its energy supply, especially during the winter months when demand is at its peak.

Thanks to the efforts of Ukrainian energy workers and cooperation with international partners, including the EU, the US, the UK, Norway, and Japan, Ukraine has avoided a complete power blackout.

However, Zelenskyy warned that Fico’s stance could drag Slovakia into Russia’s efforts to increase pressure on Ukraine, suggesting that such actions could undermine Slovakia’s relationships within the European community.

Zelenskyy also pointed out that Slovakia’s share in Ukraine’s electricity imports amounts to about 19%. The Ukrainian government is actively working with other EU neighbors to maintain the necessary supply of electricity.

As Slovakia is part of the integrated European energy market, the president emphasized that any unilateral decisions in Bratislava or directives from Moscow could harm Slovakia’s standing within Europe, though it would not immediately stop electricity imports to Ukraine.

Furthermore, Zelenskyy reminded Fico that supporting Russia’s aggression is morally unacceptable and could lead to significant financial losses for Slovakia. He noted that, aside from the loss of Russian gas transit fees, Slovakia could forfeit over $200 million annually that Ukraine pays for electricity imports.

Zelenskyy emphasized that a more cooperative approach within the EU, especially in increasing energy supplies from the US and other partners, would benefit Slovakia economically and contribute to reducing energy prices across Europe.

Earlier, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico met with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Moscow on December 22. The two leaders discussed Russia’s war against Ukraine, and efforts to normalize Slovakia-Russia relations. Fico revealed that the visit was a response to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s decision to halt gas transit to Slovakia, a move Fico said could harm Slovakia’s economy and nuclear power production.