**Slovak PM Accuses Ukraine of Being Unreliable Partner**
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has called Ukraine an unreliable partner and accused President Volodymyr Zelensky of blackmailing European leaders for support.
In a parliamentary meeting on January 10, Fico said that Zelensky was “begging and blackmailing others, asking for money”. He also claimed that Zelensky disrupted a gas transit agreement between Russia and Azerbaijan that would have benefited Slovakia.
**Slovakia’s Energy Concerns**
Kyiv terminated Russian gas transit on January 1, citing its refusal to finance Russia’s war. Slovakia had previously imported Russian gas through Ukraine and has voiced concerns over the decision’s economic impact.
Fico said that Slovakia could halt its humanitarian aid to Ukraine, cut or cancel social benefits for Ukrainian refugees, and cease emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine. He also suggested using Slovakia’s veto power over EU decisions as leverage against Kyiv.
**Slovak PM Defends Russia**
Fico described Russia as a reliable energy partner, stating that “Russia has never deceived us, unlike Ukraine”. He recalled a 2009 incident where he claimed Ukraine’s leadership refused to supply Slovakia with gas during a crisis.
Fico met with Putin at the Kremlin on December 22 to discuss gas supplies. The visit was heavily criticized by EU and Ukrainian officials.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com