The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to refrain from making statements that contradict European principles of energy solidarity. In a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry, it was noted that Ukraine buys electricity from Slovakia at market prices and does not receive it as humanitarian aid.
‘Slovakia’s supply of critical volumes of electricity to Ukraine is not charity: Ukraine pays Slovakia a lot of money for this,’ the Foreign Ministry stressed.
The ministry also noted that Ukraine has historically been self-sufficient in electricity production, but is forced to import it because of Russian crimes, including the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and constant attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
‘Robert Fico’s threats to cut off the electricity Ukraine buys from Russia effectively puts him on the same side as the Russian dictator. Today, these are the only two figures in the world who threaten to leave Ukrainians without electricity in winter,’ the statement said.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry also drew attention to Slovak statements that, in their opinion, show signs of joint work with Moscow. In particular, the Foreign Ministry recalled Fico’s words about the desire to oust American energy carriers from the European market in the interests of Russia.
The Ukrainian side called on the Slovak government to focus on cooperation with European partners to diversify energy supplies, including increasing gas imports from the United States.
‘Slovakia is part of the single European energy market and must adhere to common European rules. We call on the European Commission, together with ENTSO-E, to respond to Slovak threats of arbitrary decisions,’ the Foreign Ministry concluded.