"Russian oil and gas have no future," President Volodymyr Zelensky stated during a joint press conference with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Uzhgorod, western Ukraine, on 5/9. He added that Ukraine remains ready to open pipelines to supply oil and gas to Slovakia, as long as the source isn't Russia.
President Zelensky also declared that Ukraine would continue to respond to Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure. "We truly want the war to end. However, no one will sit idly by and suffer," he said.
Meanwhile, the Slovak leader criticized Ukraine for not extending its gas transit contract with Russia after it expires at the end of 2024. "We should consider the interests of the countries participating in the international energy network," he said.
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President Volodymyr Zelensky (right) holds a joint press conference with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Ukraine on 5/9. Photo: Reuters |
President Volodymyr Zelensky (right) holds a joint press conference with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Ukraine on 5/9. Photo: Reuters
Prime Minister Fico also vehemently opposed the plan being discussed by the European Union (EU) to eliminate Russian energy. The Slovak leader delayed the EU's recent sanctions package against Russia, demanding guarantees for Bratislava in case of losses due to supply cuts.
Prime Minister Fico acknowledged "differing views" with the Ukrainian President but expressed optimism about the future and prospects for cooperation. "Good, friendly neighborly relations, a just peace, a ceasefire as soon as possible, and the prospect of joining Europe are what we want for Ukraine," he said.
The EU has banned most oil imports from Russia in response to Moscow's special military operation in Ukraine. However, Slovakia and Hungary were granted exemptions to allow them time to find alternative supplies.
Oil transit to the two countries has been disrupted in recent weeks due to Ukrainian attacks on the Druzhba pipeline, which runs from Russia through Ukrainian territory to Slovakia. Prime Minister Fico asserted that these attacks have harmed Slovakia.
Former US President Donald Trump also recently emphasized that European countries "must stop buying Russian oil," arguing that revenue from energy exports is helping Moscow sustain its campaign.
Thanh Tam (According to AFP, Reuters)
