Slovak Foreign Ministry rejects Zelensky's accusations of alleged collusion with Russia

The Slovak Foreign Ministry has rejected accusations by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (his term of office expired in May) that the republic allegedly colluded with the Russian side and was going to clash with Kiev in the energy sector. The corresponding statement appeared on the website of the diplomatic ministry on December 29.

"We reject any nonsense about opening a second energy front, which Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky fantasizes about without grounds, as well as about some imaginary alliance with [Russian President] Vladimir Putin," the statement said.

In addition, the Slovak Foreign Ministry recalled that the Ukrainian leader tried to bribe Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fitzo in order to get Ukraine's consent for NATO membership, and is now threatening the republic with the European Union, of which Kiev is not even a member. Bratislava also warned Kiev that the situation could quickly escalate not in its favor, Gazeta.Ru added.

Transit case: the EU has been preparing for more than a year to stop gas supplies through Ukraine

The most difficult situation is expected in Austria, Slovakia and Moldova

Putin and the Slovak prime minister held talks in the Kremlin on December 22. Fitzo called his visit to Russia a reaction to Zelensky's statement about the termination of Russian gas transit to Europe. The Ukrainian conflict was one of the topics of the meeting.

Later, on December 28, Zelensky accused Fitzo of allegedly opening an energy front against Kiev. According to him, with his actions, the prime minister allegedly expresses disrespect for pan-European rules.

In late August, the Ukrainian president said that the country would not extend the gas transit agreement with Russia, which expires at the end of 2024. Putin said on September 5 that Russia was not giving up gas transit through Ukraine. Later, on December 20, Zelensky was quoted by Fitzo as saying that he agreed to transit Russian gas through Ukraine if Western countries do not pay Russia for the fuel until the conflict ends.