Slovak PM hits back at Zelenskyy: I’m not here to serve your political agenda

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has sharply criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, saying that during their exchange at the recent EU summit, Zelenskyy became "more arrogant and defiant" in his remarks, especially on social media.

Fico explained that Zelenskyy had publicly criticized him at a press conference, discussing their differences in an unprofessional manner, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Fico acknowledged the pressure Zelenskyy faces, given the Western support he receives. However, he made it clear that he is not "a servant" who must comply with all of Zelenskyy's demands without being able to voice his own opinions.

"I understand the pressure you are under, and I recognize that the West gives you almost everything you ask for, for their own political and strategic reasons," Fico said. "But I am not your servant, who is expected to help you without expecting anything in return."

The Slovak Prime Minister also recalled Zelenskyy's earlier remarks about Ukraine potentially halting the transit of Russian gas to Europe, which would result in significant financial losses for the EU, including Slovakia. Fico suggested that Slovakia might take action against Ukraine if the gas transit were to be stopped, warning that it could fuel further divisions among Slavic nations.

With the agreement on Russian gas transit through Ukraine set to expire on December 31, tensions have been rising. Ukraine has stated that the gas transit will end at 7:00 a.m. on January 1, with Zelenskyy ruling out any extension of the deal. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also stated that a new gas transit agreement for 2025 would be impossible to finalize in the remaining time.

Amid these developments, Fico travelled to Moscow on December 22, meeting with Putin to discuss gas supplies and the broader situation in Ukraine. The Slovak Prime Minister confirmed that senior EU officials were informed about the visit, during which Fico and Putin discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and potential paths toward a peaceful resolution.

By Tamilla Hasanova