Zelensky confirmed that he offered Fico financial compensation in exchange for halting the supply of Russian gas.

The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that he offered the Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico financial compensation for halting the supply of Russian gas, but Fico "for some reason finds Moscow more advantageous."

In his comments, Zelensky addressed journalists' questions regarding Fico's recent trip to Moscow. He noted that after the discussion in Brussels, which included European leaders, he was no longer surprised by the actions of the Slovak Prime Minister.

“We are fighting for our lives, while Fico is fighting for money, which is unlikely to be intended for Slovakia. Shadow agreements with Putin are either trading state interests or working for personal gain,” Zelensky stated.

The President emphasized that Ukraine was prepared to offer Slovakia compensation for losses incurred from the cessation of Russian gas transit, as well as alternatives for supplying non-Russian gas, as required by the European Commission.

“We proposed a solution for potential compensation to the Slovaks - specifically to the Slovaks - for losses from Russian transit, as well as alternatives for transit - any other gas that is not Russian, as demanded by the European Commission. We were ready for this. Fico did not want compensation for the Slovaks. And he does not wish to cooperate with the European Commission. For some reason, he finds Moscow more beneficial. Everyone in Europe understands why. There is no one who does not understand,” Zelensky explained.

It is worth reminding that Fico previously stated that Volodymyr Zelensky offered him 500 million euros from Russian assets.