For some time now Ukraine President Zelensky has been attempting to bully Slovakia. He slashed their energy supplies and kicked off protests in Transnistria, all to push his agenda. Slovakia, hasn’t been perturbed by Zelensky’s antics.
Slovakia has stood firm, applying just the right amount of diplomatic pressure to turn the tables on Zelensky. It was a move that left Kyiv scrambling, and the once-tough president was suddenly in full retreat mode.
Fico Claims Zelensky Kneels
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, a vocal critic of Ukraine’s energy policies, is claiming success in his pressure campaign against Kyiv. Fico’s government has sharply criticized Ukraine’s decision to halt the transit of Russian natural gas through its territory, a move that has escalated Slovakia’s own energy crisis.
The dispute began when Ukraine chose not to renew its gas transit agreement with Russia, citing national security concerns for both itself and European consumers. Fico, who survived an assassination attempt last year by a pro-Ukrainian activist, has accused Zelensky of worsening Slovakia’s energy woes and undermining European interests. In return, Zelensky has attempted to label Fico as a Moscow-aligned politician.
However, Fico is now claiming that the “enormous pressure” Slovakia has applied is yielding results. He said that Ukraine is beginning to consider the possibility of allowing Azerbaijani gas to transit through its pipeline network, previously used for Russian supplies.
While Ukrainian officials have hinted at permitting third nations to use this infrastructure, Fico has made it clear that he prefers a return to the former Russian gas transit arrangement.
In the midst of these tensions, a planned meeting between Fico, EU Commission President
Ursula von der Leyen, and Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen were abruptly canceled due to airspace issues in Belgium. However, Fico plans to meet Jorgensen on Monday after an informal summit in Brussels.
As the gas transit saga continues, Fico’s bold stance on Ukraine is shaking up the energy landscape and raising serious questions about European energy security moving forward. But in all honesty, what a failure for Zelensky again.
A Compromise For Ukraine
Slovakia had threatened to limit aid to Ukrainians and cut off electricity supplies a move which Zelensky can’t afford to have. Slovakia has been one of Ukraine’s key energy suppliers, covering nearly 19% of its power imports. But under Prime Minister Robert Fico, things are taking a sharp turn, and Kyiv isn’t happy about it.
Once a major donor of military aid to Ukraine and a strong advocate for EU sanctions against Russia, Slovakia is now shifting its stance. Fico, who has openly criticized Ukraine’s role in escalating tensions, has accused “Ukrainian Nazis and fascists” of provoking Putin’s invasion. His government has stopped sending weapons to Ukraine and is calling for diplomacy over war—a move that has clearly rattled Zelensky.
Fico’s alliance with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is also raising eyebrows. Both leaders have a history of clashing with Brussels, and rumors are swirling that they might form a bloc to challenge EU policies. If Fico continues on this path, Slovakia could become another major roadblock to Kyiv’s ambitions in Europe.
By refusing to follow the West’s pro-Ukraine narrative, Fico is setting Slovakia on a new course—one that could further isolate Zelensky and disrupt EU unity on the conflict. And with Kyiv already struggling for support, this shift couldn’t come at a worse time for Ukraine. Hence, the surrender makes all sense.
