Volodymyr Zelensky has extended an invitation to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico for talks in Kyiv on January 17, in response to Fico’s earlier proposal for a meeting near the Slovakia-Ukraine border.
Zelensky confirmed the invitation on the X platform on Monday, January 13, writing, “Alright. Come to Kyiv on Friday.” His post included Fico’s initial request for a meeting.
Previously, Fico had invited Zelensky to discuss issues related to gas transit, emphasizing his commitment to resolving the matter rather than escalating tensions. “I do not intend to respond to Zelensky’s comments from Sunday, January 12, as my focus remains on addressing the gas transit suspension,” Fico stated.
The Slovak Prime Minister urged Ukraine to actively participate in further negotiations on gas supplies and cooperate with a designated working group. His appeal comes after he strongly criticized Zelensky, labeling him as an “unreliable partner”.
Fico recently traveled to Moscow, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 22. Following the meeting, he claimed to have reached an agreement on gas exports with Russia.
Additionally, Fico proposed an alternative meeting with Zelensky at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 21, suggesting that the discussions there could shape the future of Ukraine-Slovakia relations. However, he noted that Zelensky had not responded to this proposal.
In a separate development, Fico discussed gas transit concerns with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, expressing frustration over.
He warned of potential retaliatory actions in response to the decision, which he claims negatively impacts Slovakia and the European Union.
Meanwhile, Slovak President announced that he would not visit Ukraine due to the gas transit suspension. “If my visit is merely symbolic, while Slovakia faces an energy crisis, then it is not justified,” he stated during an interview on STVR on January 11.
Despite these diplomatic tensions, the European Commission has reassured that has had no significant impact on European energy security or market prices.
