Ukraine-Slovakia Gas Dispute Intensifies with Accusations and Diplomatic Stalemate

Zelensky and Fico trade barbs over Russian gas transit halt, cyberattack allegations, and venue for talks as tensions escalate.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico are at odds over where to hold discussions to resolve the gas transit dispute, with Zelensky inviting Fico to Kyiv and Fico proposing a meeting at the Slovak-Ukrainian border.
The dispute centers on Ukraine's decision not to renew a gas transit deal that allowed Russian gas to flow through its pipelines to Slovakia, a move criticized by Fico as damaging to Slovakia and the EU.
Fico has accused Ukraine of arrogance and cyberattacks, while Zelensky has labeled Fico's claims as lies and criticized his ties to Moscow, including a recent meeting with Vladimir Putin.
Slovakia's internal politics are also strained, with Fico's coalition divided over relations with Russia and facing criticism from Slovak President Peter Pellegrini.
The escalating tensions have broader implications for EU unity on energy policy and support for Ukraine amid the ongoing war with Russia.