**Ukraine’s President Accuses Slovak Prime Minister of Acting on Russia’s Orders**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico for threatening to cut off Ukraine’s emergency power supply in the winter. Zelensky believes that Fico is acting on Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s orders.
Zelensky made his statement through his official Telegram channel, saying that Fico’s actions are a threat to Slovakia’s relationships with the European community. He also pointed out that Ukraine pays Slovakia for electricity and that this is not charity.
**Russia Denies Responsibility**
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry also commented on the issue, stating that Slovakia’s supply of critical amounts of electricity to Ukraine is not charity, but rather a payment. They accused Fico of siding with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin by making senseless threats to cut off Ukraine’s electricity.
**Background on the Issue**
This comes after Fico declared that his government would consider halting electricity supplies to Ukraine if they stop the transit of Russian gas to Slovakia after January 1. Zelensky believes this is a deliberate attempt by Russia to open a second energy front against Ukraine.
Fico had previously met with Putin in Moscow, where they discussed gas transit and standardizing “mutual relations” between Russia and Slovakia. Despite EU efforts to reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels, Slovakia remains heavily dependent on Russian gas.
**Ukraine Will Not Be Intimidated**
Zelensky stated that any arbitrary decisions made by Fico or orders from Moscow will not lead to a halt in electricity imports to Ukraine. He also warned that such actions could lead to a break between the current Slovak government and the European community.
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