Ukraine reciprocally summons Slovak ambassador over “meddling” accusations
- 30 January, 15:44
Ukrainian Foreign Ministry on Thursday summoned Slovakia’s ambassador to reject accusations that it was meddling into the country’s internal affairs and to protest Prime Minister Rober Fico’s statement. Earlier, Slovakia summoned Ukrainian envoy to convey Fico’s criticism.
According to a statement from Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on January 30, during the meeting with the Slovak ambassador Pavel Vizdal, Deputy Foreign Minister Oleksandr Mishchenko expressed his "deep disappointment" that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico "currently acts as the speaking trumpet of the Kremlin" and "resorts to illogical actions".
Mischenko stressed that “such actions by representatives of the Slovak authorities are unacceptable” and “cause serious harm not only to traditionally good Ukrainian-Slovak relations but is also undermining the unity of the European Union and the Euro-Atlantic community in countering the aggressor state.”
Ukraine and Slovakia have been at odds in the past few weeks over Kyiv’s suspension of Russian gas transport to Europe via its territory. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico who has close ties with Vladimir Putin, earlier said Bratislava was losing millions of euros in transit fee as a result of Kyiv’s decision not to resume the energy contract with Russia that expired in December 2024.
Mischenko criticized Bratislava’s attempts to maintain its dependence of Russian energy supplies.
"Official Bratislava is urged to stop this policy and revert to a constructive dialogue and the development of good neighbourly relations between our countries and peoples," the Ukrainian deputy foreign minister said.
Earlier on January 29, Slovakia’s Foreign Ministry summoned Ukrainian ambassador Myroslav Kastran following Kyiv’s criticism of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. The ministry conveyed a "strong protest" to the ambassador over statements made by the Ukrainian authorities which it described as interference in Slovakia’s internal affairs. Fico has accused Kyiv of involvement in the ongoing anti-government protests in the country.
