slovak-pm-fico-cancels-kyiv-visit

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has decided not to visit Kyiv to engage in talks regarding the halt in Russian gas transit through Ukraine, according to Deputy Speaker of the Slovak National Council, Tibor Gaspar.

 

The Slovak delegation, which Gaspar is part of, is currently in Moscow, where he shared this update with the News Agency of the Slovak Republic.

 

Gaspar pointed out that the planned meeting between Fico and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv would likely not take place due to security concerns.

 

This development follows Fico's recent proposal to hold discussions with Zelensky about the halted gas transit, which has been a significant issue following the expiration of the gas contract between Ukrainian and Russian companies on December 31, 2024.

 

In an open letter shared on social media, Fico had extended an invitation to Zelensky for a face-to-face meeting, suggesting that they meet on Slovak territory near the border with Ukraine.

 

He proposed that the discussions take place as soon as possible in order to find a viable solution to the gas supply issue, which has left Slovakia and other countries facing uncertainty regarding energy supplies.

 

Zelensky, in response to the invitation, proposed that Fico visit Kyiv for a bilateral meeting on Friday. However, Gaspar indicated that the two leaders would determine an appropriate location for their meeting that works for both sides.

 

Despite this, security concerns seem to have complicated matters, preventing the meeting from taking place in Kyiv.

 

The halt in gas transit to Slovakia, which occurred immediately after the expiration of the contract on January 1, 2025, has strained relations between Slovakia and Ukraine.

 

Fico criticised the decision by Zelensky to not renew the gas transit contract, suggesting that it has harmed not only bilateral ties but also the competitiveness of the European Union as a whole.

 

Slovakia, which is a member of the EU, is concerned that such decisions could affect European unity and stability, especially as Ukraine continues to seek EU membership.