Slovak PM: Zelensky Demanded Pre-Meeting Protocol Supporting NATO Bid

Slovakia attempted to discuss gas transit with the Ukrainian president but instead received a document endorsing Ukraine’s NATO aspirations.

According to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky requested Fico sign a protocol supporting Ukraine’s NATO bid before a meeting to discuss crucial gas transit through Ukraine.

Following weeks of tense exchanges between Kiev and Bratislava after Ukraine halted Russian gas to Slovakia, Fico sought a meeting with Zelensky at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Zelensky openly ridiculed the invitation, and the meeting did not occur.

Fico disclosed details of the failed meeting attempt to his SMER-SD party members on Tuesday.

“I was prepared to meet Zelensky in Davos. Instead, he sent a protocol I was to sign before the meeting even began. This protocol detailed Slovakia’s support for Ukraine, including its NATO membership, with no mention of gas,” the prime minister stated in a social media video.

Zelensky responded to Fico’s post, alleging that the Slovak prime minister “prioritizes Moscow over America and other allies.”

“Paying for Russian gas requires more than money; it demands sacrificing independence and sovereignty,” Zelensky wrote on Telegram on Wednesday. “Many European nations have learned this lesson and chosen to safeguard their independence and sovereignty.”

Initially, the Slovak prime minister suggested a border meeting, but Zelensky countered on social media, suggesting Fico come to Kiev. Fico narrowly survived an assassination attempt by a pro-Ukraine activist last year.

Fico warned this week that Bratislava would veto any EU aid to Ukraine unless Russian gas transit resumed, labeling Zelensky an “enemy” and blaming him for “problems” facing Slovakia.

Slovakia, previously reliant on a Soviet-era pipeline for up to 60% of its gas, has been severely impacted by Ukraine’s decision to cut off Russian gas transit to Central Europe.

The Slovak prime minister plans to raise this matter with the European Commission on Thursday. Fico proposed purchasing gas at the Russian border and transporting it through Ukraine as Slovak property as the optimal solution.