Slovak PM Fico Cancels Kyiv Visit: Deputy Speaker
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Synopsis
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has opted out of a visit to Kyiv for talks about the halt of Russian gas transit through Ukraine, citing security concerns. Deputy Speaker Tibor Gaspar informed that a meeting is unlikely amid these issues, with discussions around gas supplies and transit contracts remaining unresolved.
Key Takeaways
- Slovak PM Robert Fico will not visit Kyiv.
- Security concerns prevent the meeting with Ukraine.
- The gas transit contract expired on December 31, 2024.
- Fico proposed discussions on Slovak territory.
- Zelensky suggested a bilateral meeting in Kyiv.
Bratislava, Jan 15 (NationPress) The Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has no intention of traveling to Kyiv to engage in discussions regarding the suspension of Russian gas transit through Ukraine, according to Deputy Speaker of the Slovak National Council Tibor Gaspar.
While visiting Moscow with a Slovak parliamentary team, Gaspar informed the News Agency of the Slovak Republic that a meeting in the Ukrainian capital is unlikely to occur due to security issues concerning the Slovak prime minister, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
On Monday, Fico suggested conducting talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to address the recent cessation of gas transit through Ukraine.
In an open letter shared on social media, Fico invited Zelensky for a joint meeting on Slovak soil near the border with Ukraine, stating it should occur “preferably as soon as possible.”
This meeting aims to “establish a strong foundation for an open discussion” about gas supplies to Slovakia and other nations via Ukraine and explore potential technical solutions following the expiration of the contract between the relevant Ukrainian and Russian companies on December 31, 2024, Fico remarked.
In response, Zelensky proposed that Fico visit Kyiv on Friday for a bilateral discussion.
Gaspar indicated that the two leaders “will find a meeting place that will work for both sides.”
Zelensky's choice not to renew the contract and the suspension of gas transit to Slovakia starting January 1, 2025, not only strains bilateral relations between Slovakia and Ukraine but also negatively impacts the competitiveness of the European Union, an organization that Kyiv aspires to join, Fico emphasized, adding that his viewpoint is not isolated within Europe.
Fico has threatened to reduce electricity supplies to Ukraine and restrict assistance for Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia following Kyiv's refusal to prolong the gas transit agreement.
The gas transit contract between Ukraine and Russia lapsed on December 31, 2024, resulting in the halt of gas deliveries to Slovakia the next day when Zelensky chose not to renew the deal.
Fico has previously criticized Zelensky for making this unilateral decision without consulting European Union institutions or the affected member states. He also cautioned about possible retaliatory actions, including cutting electricity supplies to Ukraine.
