Zelenskyy Accuses Slovak PM Fico of Weakening Europe by Aligning with Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sharply criticized Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, accusing him of weakening Europe through his dealings with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy’s comments come in the wake of Fico’s recent meeting with Putin on Sunday, which was part of a broader effort to secure continued access to affordable Russian fossil fuels.
The meeting took place as a major energy deal between Slovakia and Russia, which allows the import of Russian energy through Ukraine, is set to expire at the end of the year. As the energy crisis deepens in Europe, Fico’s push to extend this arrangement has drawn sharp condemnation from Ukraine’s leadership.
In a statement released on Monday, President Zelenskyy expressed his concern over Fico’s growing dependency on Moscow, questioning the Slovak leader’s commitment to European security and stability. Zelenskyy highlighted the dangers posed by Fico’s stance, suggesting that his actions could further embolden Russia and undermine efforts to support Ukraine’s sovereignty.
“[Fico’s] key goal is to deal with Russia, and this is what benefits him. This is indeed a big security issue both for Slovakia and the entire Europe. Why is this leader so dependent on Moscow? What is being paid to him, and what does he pay with?” Zelenskyy wrote.
Zelenskyy’s words reflect a broader concern within the European Union about the risks of individual nations striking separate deals with Russia, especially as the war in Ukraine continues to ravage the region. The Ukrainian President’s remarks underscore the ongoing struggle for unity within Europe regarding how best to address Russia’s aggression, with some leaders seeking closer ties to Russia for economic reasons, while others, like Zelenskyy, push for a unified front in supporting Ukraine.
As the year draws to a close and energy deals come under scrutiny, this tension between European leaders will likely continue to play a key role in shaping the future of EU-Russia relations. For now, Zelenskyy’s criticism of Fico serves as a reminder of the broader geopolitical stakes at play — and the delicate balance European leaders must navigate in the face of mounting economic and security pressures.