Zelenskyy calls for stronger relations with Slovakia amid diplomatic tensions

Saturday 02 - 15:30

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations with Slovakia during a phone conversation with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, amid ongoing regional tensions linked to energy supplies.

In a public message following the call, Zelenskyy underlined that both countries share an interest in maintaining strong cooperation. He also highlighted Slovakia’s support for Ukraine’s aspiration to join the European Union and its willingness to share experience related to the accession process.

The Ukrainian leader invited Fico to visit Kyiv and received a reciprocal invitation to travel to Bratislava, with both sides agreeing that diplomatic teams would coordinate scheduling in the near future.

The discussion comes after months of strained relations between the two countries, largely driven by disruptions in Russian oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline, a key energy route in the region. The pipeline issue has been a source of disagreement between Kyiv and Bratislava, with both sides presenting differing accounts of the causes of supply interruptions.

Ukraine has previously stated that disruptions were linked to damage caused by military strikes, while Slovakia and neighboring Hungary have accused Ukraine of deliberately interfering with energy flows. The situation has led to temporary political and economic tensions, including measures affecting energy exports.

Despite these challenges, recent developments indicate partial stabilization, with oil deliveries reportedly resuming after repair works were completed. This progress has helped ease tensions within the broader European energy and financial discussions surrounding support packages for Ukraine.

Analysts view the call between Zelenskyy and Fico as a sign of cautious diplomatic re-engagement, particularly as European countries continue to balance energy security concerns with political and strategic support for Ukraine.