Ukrainian Leader Volodymyr Zelensky Comments on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s Meeting with Kremlin Dictator Vladimir Putin in Moscow
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his concerns over the recent meeting between Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The meeting, which took place on February 20, was seen by many as a move towards strengthening Russian influence in Central Europe.
Zelensky, who has been a vocal critic of Putin’s aggressive actions in Ukraine, spoke against Fico’s meeting with the Russian leader during a press briefing in Kyiv. «I hope that our Slovak colleagues understand that such meetings only legitimize the occupation of Crimea and the ongoing war in Donbass,» Zelensky stated.
The Ukrainian leader’s remarks were in response to Fico’s visit to Russia, where he met with Putin to discuss bilateral relations and economic cooperation between the two countries. The two leaders also discussed the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, with Fico emphasizing the importance of finding a peaceful solution.
However, Zelensky’s comments reflect the widespread concern among Ukrainian officials and citizens over the growing ties between Russia and Slovakia. Since the conflict in Ukraine began in 2014, Slovakia has been one of the few European countries to maintain relatively close relations with Russia, despite the EU’s sanctions against Moscow.
The meeting between Fico and Putin has raised questions about Slovakia’s commitment to EU’s foreign policy and its stance on Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Zelensky’s remarks highlight the impact of such meetings on the fragile security situation in the region.
It is not the first time that Zelensky has spoken out against Fico’s actions. In December 2019, the Ukrainian president criticized Fico’s remarks about the annexation of Crimea, stating that they «contradicted the values of the EU.» Zelensky’s comments have been echoed by other Ukrainian officials, who see Fico’s actions as a betrayal to the country’s partnership with Slovakia and the EU.
The Ukrainian government has also taken measures to reduce its reliance on Russian gas and diversify its energy sources, given the ongoing tensions with Moscow. However, Fico’s visit to Moscow has the potential to undermine these efforts and strengthen Russia’s economic hold on Central Europe.
In response to Zelensky’s comments, Slovakia’s Foreign Ministry released a statement saying that the meeting between Fico and Putin was «purely bilateral» and not aimed at undermining EU unity or its position on Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The ministry also reiterated Slovakia’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Despite these reassurances, Zelensky’s concerns are understandable, given Russia’s history of using economic and political ties with European countries to gain influence and undermine the EU’s stance towards its actions in Ukraine.
The meeting between Fico and Putin also comes at a crucial time, as Ukraine and Russia are engaged in peace talks to end the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The Ukrainian president has repeatedly stated that any negotiations must involve all parties, including Russia, and must not jeopardize Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
It is clear that Zelensky’s comments are not aimed at discouraging dialogue between Slovakia and Russia, but rather highlighting the importance of standing in solidarity with Ukraine and the EU’s position on the conflict. As Ukraine continues to face Russian aggression, it is essential for its European partners to remain united in their support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In conclusion, President Zelensky’s comments reflect the concerns of many in Ukraine and the EU regarding Fico’s meeting with Putin in Moscow. The Ukrainian leader’s remarks highlight the importance of maintaining a united front in the face of Russian aggression and the need for Slovakia to remain committed to the EU’s stance on the conflict in Ukraine. Let us hope that future meetings between Slovakia and Russia will not undermine these efforts and will instead contribute to a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict.
