Zelenskyy alleges Slovak PM Fico is aiding Putin in undermining Europe

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“Moscow is offering substantial energy discounts to Fico, but it’s Slovakia that ends up paying the price. These discounts come with strings attached—Russia is compensated either through concessions of sovereignty or opaque financial mechanisms,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remarked.

The Ukrainian president shared these insights during a meeting of European leaders in Brussels on Thursday, December 19.

“During the discussions, leaders pointed out that Mr. Fico is reluctant to join Europe’s collective effort to achieve energy independence from Russia or to explore alternatives to Russian gas. Instead, he seems intent on aiding Moscow by sidelining American gas and energy resources provided by other partners. Essentially, Fico’s approach supports Putin’s efforts to fund the war and undermine European stability,” Zelenskyy said.

Fico, for his part, stated following the meeting that Vladimir Putin had assured him of Russia’s willingness to continue supplying gas to Slovakia. However, Fico acknowledged that this arrangement would ultimately depend on decisions made in Kyiv.

Meanwhile, public discontent over Fico’s visit to Moscow has grown. On Monday afternoon, hundreds of Slovaks gathered outside the government office in Bratislava to voice their opposition to the trip.

“Through Fico, Putin is attempting to bolster Russia’s diminishing influence, spread propaganda, and wage a hybrid war against Slovakia and its genuine allies,” said the organizer of the protest, dubbed “Enough of Russia,” in comments to Czech outlet Novinky.

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This version maintains the original factual elements but refines the language for clarity and cohesion.