“Zelensky walks around Europe, begs, blackmails and asks for money”: Fico spoke sharply at a meeting of the parliament
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, speaking in the parliament, made a sharp statement about Ukraine and Volodymyr Zelenskyi. He accused the Ukrainian leader of constantly “begging” for support from European states and blackmailing them for financial assistance.
“He [Zelensky] goes around Europe, just begging and blackmailing others, asking for money,” – said Fizo.
Later, he published a video recording of his speech on his own page Facebook.
Meanwhile, Fico used the meeting to explain his recent trip to Moscow, where he discussed energy issues with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Slovak prime minister also accused Ukraine of disrupting the gas transit agreement between Russia and Azerbaijan, which could be beneficial for Slovakia.
It will be recalled that Ukraine stopped the transit of Russian gas from January 1, motivating it by unwillingness to support the financing of aggression by Russia. The decision caused concern in Bratislava, as Slovakia previously depended on Russian gas supplied through Ukraine.
Previously, Fico announced the possibility of ending humanitarian aid to Ukraine, reducing social payments to Ukrainian refugees, and ending the emergency supply of electricity. He suggested using the right of veto in the EU as a tool of influence on Kyiv to protect the interests of Slovakia.
The Slovak prime minister called Russia a reliable partner in the energy sector, saying: “Russia has always fulfilled its obligations, unlike Ukraine.” He also mentioned the crisis of 2009, accusing the Ukrainian leadership of the fact that Slovakia was left without gas then.
His visit to the Kremlin on December 22, where he discussed gas issues with Putin, drew harsh criticism from representatives of the EU and Ukraine. Fico continues to insist that friendly relations with Russia are important for Slovakia’s economic stability.
