Fico seeks to meet with Zelenskyy

Fico said he had a phone conversation with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to discuss gas supplies. He also complained about Ukraine's decision to stop Russian gas transit from January 1, 2025, which causes "significant damage to Slovakia and the European Union."

In addition, Fico repeated threats to "take retaliatory measures."

During the conversation, I also reported that for several days now we have been proposing to hold a joint meeting with Mr. Zelensky on Tuesday evening (January 21 — ed.) in Davos, at the World Economic Forum, where we will both be present.

Robert Fico

Prime Minister of Slovakia

He also said that the meeting in Davos could supposedly determine the future of relations with Ukraine, but "Zelensky did not react to this proposal in any way."

It should be noted that the President of the World Economic Forum, Berg Brende, announced the personal participation of Volodymyr Zelensky. The forum will take place from January 20 to 24.

As a reminder, Robert Fico previously invited Zelenskyy to meet on Slovak territory near the border with Ukraine and suggested he take the Kyiv-Kosice train. The Ukrainian president responded by inviting him to a meeting in Kyiv on January 17, but Zelenskyy refused.

Zelenskyy met with the leader of the Slovak opposition

On January 17, Zelensky received Slovak opposition leader Michal Šimeček, to whom he told him that Ukraine was ready to help Slovakia with energy security, but wanted to "hear important signals," such as support for joining NATO and the European Union.

The current government led by Fico opposes Ukraine's integration into these structures.

We are ready to receive the leader of our friends, the Slovak people. Another leader has arrived (this week Zelensky invited Prime Minister Robert Fico to Kyiv, — ed.), and we are glad. We are very much counting on the relations between our states. Your visit is a signal that you will continue to support our territorial integrity and sovereignty, — the president stated.

He also assured that Ukraine is open to dialogue with Slovakia, in particular regarding energy security.

I understand that this topic is sensitive. Of course, we are very open. We are ready to help Slovaks with energy stability and security. But it is very important for us to hear signals from Slovakia that you also support Ukrainians on our path to the EU and NATO. This is important for us.

According to Slovak media, the purpose of the visit is bilateral negotiations.

"Our goal is clear — to reopen the doors that Fico closed with aggressive attacks. Slovakia and Ukraine are close partners and know how to help each other," he noted.

The other day, the Slovak opposition initiated a vote of no confidence in the Fico government, in particular due to its anti-Ukrainian policies and meetings with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.