Fico to Meet with Ukrainian Premier in Autumn, No Reason to Meet Zelenskyy

(STVR, 'Sobotne dialogy', 28 June) I'm expected to meet Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in the autumn, with talks likely to take place in September or October, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) said on STVR's politics programme 'Sobotne dialogy' (Saturday Dialogues). Fico ruled out a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stating he currently sees no reason for such talks. He said he would only consider meeting Zelenskyy if there were a "rational reason" to do so. „My meeting with Zelenskyy makes no sense or has any meaning, because he hates me — simply for expressing my own views on the war in Ukraine," Fico said, adding that he had criticized Zelenskyy for allegedly costing Slovakia €500 million by halting the transit of Russian gas through the country. Fico emphasized that dialogue with Ukraine’s Prime Minister is more relevant and confirmed preparations for another round of government-level talks between the two countries. The Slovak leader reiterated his call for an end to the war in Ukraine, saying that restoring peace is essential to rebuilding normal political relations. „The first thing we need is for the war to end. The second is to re-establish standard political relations once it’s over," he said. Fico voiced support for Ukraine’s European aspirations, stating that EU membership for Kiev could bring more benefits than drawbacks for Slovakia — provided that all necessary conditions are met. Commenting on the upcoming meeting between Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Zelenskyy, Fico said the encounter would be largely symbolic - noting that the Slovak President holds no executive powers. „The president may wish to express a viewpoint, but from the standpoint of executive authority, he lacks any tools to conclude agreements with Ukraine," Fico said. Fico also confirmed a recent phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which he said was initiated by the Israeli side. According to Fico, Netanyahu sought Slovakia’s position on issues related to the EU–Israel association agreement. mf