The Slovak Prime Minister, Robert Fico, has reiterated his country’s decision to not participate in military interventions in Ukraine and to not finance military aid. During a meeting with the ambassadors of EU countries in Bratislava on Monday, the head of government stated that Slovakia will not spend “a single cent” on military support for Ukraine.
Instead, Slovakia aims to focus on joint projects with Ukraine that would benefit both countries. Possible initiatives in this regard are expected to be discussed during a further meeting of the Slovak and Ukrainian governments. Fico also expressed confidence that Europe will not be competitive without the gas transit through Ukraine. Slovakia intends to continue a “diplomatic offensive” to restore the transit.
The transit of Russian natural gas through Ukraine was completely halted on January 1, 2025, as the relevant agreement between Moscow and Kiev had expired. The Ukrainian side had previously emphasized that it would not extend the contract with Russia. Fico has threatened to block further financial aid from the European Union for Ukraine if the country does not resume the gas deliveries.