Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticizes Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico for his reluctance to seek out options to Russian fuel. The Ukrainian chief’s fiery statements come after Fico’s controversial go to to Moscow on Sunday to fulfill Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in a publish on social media platform X, previously Twitter, accusing the Slovak chief of serving to Russia’s Vladimir Putin weaken Europe.
Zelensky’s feedback observe a uncommon go to to Moscow by an EU chief for the reason that Kremlin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Fico’s go to to the Russian capital on Sunday was categorized as a “working journey” with Putin, aimed toward discussing the “worldwide scenario”, prospects for a “peaceable finish” to the warfare in Ukraine and provides of Russian pure fuel to Ukraine. Slovakia.
Fico’s journey adopted Zelensky’s feedback at Thursday’s European summit in Brussels. The Ukrainian chief has declared his intention to not renew the five-year settlement signed earlier than the warfare towards his nation and which allowed the move of Russian pure fuel to some European nations; together with Slovakia, through Ukraine, which can expire on the finish of this yr.
Fico stated Zelensky’s resolution would hurt his nation’s pursuits and financial system, opting to hunt another take care of Putin as an alternative of procuring an alternative choice to Russian fuel.
Zelensky addressed X by saying that reliance on and buy of Russian fuel helps Putin earn cash to finance his warfare towards Ukraine. “We are shedding individuals to the warfare began by Putin and we consider that such help to Putin is immoral.”
“Moscow provides vital reductions to Fico, however Slovakia pays for them. Such reductions are usually not free, funds to Russia are made via sovereignty or shadowy schemes. This must be a trigger for concern for Slovak legislation enforcement and particular companies,” Zelenskyy continued.
Zelensky says proof of such funding was revealed finally week’s summit in Brussels. “The leaders famous that Fico doesn’t need to take part in joint European work on power independence or search for an alternative choice to Russian fuel, however quite desires to assist Russia push American fuel and different companions’ power sources away from Europe,” added the minister. Ukrainian president.
Zelenskyy famous that Fico even rejected compensations supplied to Slovakia to ease the transition interval as Europe seeks to cut back its dependence on Russian power. The Ukrainian chief implied that the Kremlin had incentivized Fico monetarily to make sure Slovakia’s continued curiosity solely in Russian fuel.
“For him it isn’t a query of security. He is especially enthusiastic about Russian fuel and the enterprise is value 500 million {dollars} a yr. Other earnings come from the pipeline that crosses Ukrainian territory and brings in one other 500 million {dollars} a yr, which helps Mr. Fico.”
Criticism is rising over Fico’s go to to Moscow at dwelling
Thousands of individuals took half in anti-government protests within the capital Bratislava on Monday, following the Slovak prime minister’s shock talks with Putin.
Protesters held indicators calling Fico a traitor and denouncing him as their prime minister.
In a publish on
He continued to accuse his rival of constructing Slovakia a software of the Kremlin’s propaganda machine, insisting that Fico ought to have negotiated with Ukraine if fuel was certainly his concern.
The newest on the sphere in Ukraine
Russian troops have reportedly made vital progress in numerous Ukrainian territories, leaving Kiev’s forces at an obstacle.
ANNOUNCEMENTAccording to Ukrainian media, Ukraine has misplaced territory to Russian forces within the northeastern Kharkiv Oblast and jap Donetsk Oblast areas.
The Kremlin’s positive aspects within the area had been sparked by Russia’s seize of Avdiivka in February, paving the best way for main offensives to hit Ukraine’s jap fronts for the remainder of the yr.
Several key industrial cities within the Donetsk area rapidly fell to Russian assaults, whereas Ukraine, scuffling with troop shortages, is ending the yr having ceded a number of key territories.
Ukrainian media additionally experiences {that a} Russian counteroffensive involving North Korean troops could also be imminent, providing little respite or prospect of constructive change on the battlefield.
ANNOUNCEMENT
