"The weakness, dependency, and shortsightedness of the energy policy of Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico pose threats to all of Europe," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized.
It is noted that Russia has long used energy as a weapon, a tool for blackmail, and a threat to sovereign states. Against this backdrop, the rejection of Russian energy sources and the increase in energy independence have become a "pan-European trend."
As an example, the ministry cites Austria, which relied on Russian energy resources for many years but recently found a way to move away from them thanks to the "wise and far-sighted policies of its government."
At the same time, the Ukrainian ministry is surprised by the "attempts of the Slovak government head to maintain energy dependence on Moscow, contrary to EU policy and the joint efforts of European countries to diversify energy supplies."
"Over the past year, his actions have essentially aimed at helping Russia continue to push American and other gas out of the European market, maintaining Europe's dependency and weakening our continent," the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said about Fico, adding that during this time, joint efforts with European partners could have addressed issues and found mutually acceptable solutions.
"Ukraine pays the highest price – the price of human lives – for containing Russian aggression and protecting European homes, including Slovak ones, from Russian killers. We will not accept the disgraceful policy of appeasement that has already proven its fallibility in the last century. The Slovak side should remember this better than anyone," the ministry noted, calling on partners to work together to reduce dependency on Russian energy sources and strengthen Europe's energy security.