Key Takeaways
- Slovak PM Fico not visiting Kiev due to security concerns
- Slovak PM Fico proposed talks with Ukrainian President Zelensky to discuss gas transit
- Ukraine and Russia gas transit contract expired, leading to gas flows halt
Bratislava: Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico doesn’t plan to visit Kiev to discuss the halt in Russian gas transit through Ukraine, Deputy Speaker of the Slovak National Council Tibor Gaspar said on Tuesday.
Gaspar, who is visiting Moscow with a Slovak parliamentary delegation, told the News Agency of the Slovak Republic that a meeting in the Ukrainian capital will probably not take place due to security concerns for the Slovak prime minister.
On Monday, Slovak PM Fico proposed holding talks with Ukrainian President Zelensky to discuss gas transit through Ukraine, which has been halted recently.
In an open letter posted on social media, Fico extended the invitation to Zelensky for a joint meeting on Slovak territory near the border between Slovakia and Ukraine “preferably as soon as possible.”
In response, Zelensky suggested that Fico come to Kiev on Friday for a bilateral meeting.
According to Gaspar, the two leaders “will find a meeting place that will work for both sides.”
The gas transit contract between Ukraine and Russia expired on Dec. 31, 2024, leading to the cessation of gas flows to Slovakia the following day as Zelensky opted not to renew the agreement.
Fico previously criticised Zelensky for making the decision unilaterally, without consulting European Union institutions or affected member states. He also warned of potential reciprocal measures, including cutting electricity supplies to Ukraine.
