Slovak PM invites Ukrainian president to talks on gas transit dispute

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has extended an invitation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for negotiations concerning the cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine.

Fico proposed holding the meeting on Slovak territory near the Ukrainian border to address the ongoing issue, which has raised significant concerns for both countries and the European Union, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrainian media.

In his address, Fico highlighted the damaging consequences of halting gas transit, which he argued negatively impacts both Ukraine and Slovakia, as well as the broader EU. He emphasized that the termination of the gas flow is generating a range of reactions that are detrimental to bilateral and multilateral relations.

“Your decision to terminate gas transit through Ukraine to Slovakia and other consumers is causing great damage to both Ukraine and Slovakia, and in particular to the European Union. It is causing a variety of reactions that do not contribute to either bilateral or multilateral relations,” Fico stated.

The Slovak Prime Minister refrained from responding directly to Zelenskyy’s criticism of his policies, including claims that Fico had made a "losing bet on Moscow." Fico, however, made it clear that he aims to avoid escalating tensions and prefers a more constructive approach.

Fico further stressed his differing views with Zelenskyy, particularly regarding the continuation of hostilities and the transit of gas through Ukraine. He contended that his position on these matters was shared by others in Europe. "My position is not alone in Europe," Fico stated.

He pointed out that the termination of gas transit could lead to a loss of 500 million euros per year and significantly affect the competitiveness of the European Union. The Slovak Prime Minister underscored the importance of addressing these issues for both Ukraine’s EU aspirations and the overall stability of energy supplies in Europe.

Fico also referred to recent discussions with EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen and his team, which, according to him, underscored the gravity of the situation. In light of these developments, he called on Ukraine to actively participate in further negotiations and contribute to the work of a special working group created for this purpose.

" The Slovak Republic has shown and is showing great solidarity with your citizens living in Ukraine or on the territory of Slovakia. The joint negotiations between the governments of the Slovak Republic and Ukraine have also yielded good results. I would like to continue a constructive and mutually respectful dialogue with the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal. Therefore, as the highest representative of the Slovak executive power, let me invite you to negotiations, preferably as soon as possible, fully understanding the seriousness of your agenda", Fico said.

In closing, Fico reiterated his invitation for Zelenskyy to engage in negotiations as soon as possible. He proposed that the meeting take place in Slovakia, close to the Ukrainian border, to facilitate an open discussion on gas supplies, technical solutions, and the termination of the contract between relevant Ukrainian and Slovak companies.

By Vafa Guliyeva