Uzhhorod – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Friday after a meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico near Uzhhorod that it would be right for Slovakia to be part of the new security system. He mentioned this in connection with the security guarantees for Ukraine that the so-called coalition of the willing plans to provide after the peace agreement is concluded. He also thanked Slovakia for its support of Ukraine’s ambitions to join the EU, TASR reports.
Volodymyr Zelensky stated at a press conference that he discussed the Thursday discussion of the coalition of the willing leaders with US President Donald Trump. “We are working with our partners and we believe it would be right for Slovakia to also be part of this new security system,” Zelensky stated.
The Ukrainian president emphasized that he met Fico in Ukraine for the first time. According to him, it is important that they are leading a dialogue together and he called for the continuation of pragmatic cooperation with Slovakia at the level of ministers and institutions, not just leaders.
He also thanked Slovakia for its support regarding Ukraine’s membership in the European Union. “Currently, discussions are ongoing about clusters and we consider EU membership to be part of the security guarantees. European institutions, European capitals, and also Washington support us in this. This is very important, and I also thank the Prime Minister for supporting Ukraine’s accession to the EU,” stated the Ukrainian president.
Zelensky also emphasized that Russian oil and gas have no future. He pointed out the current US government’s stance on the supply of Russian energy to Europe.
“We are ready to ensure energy stability for Slovakia, as well as for other partners, and we want to have joint projects. We have one principle, no Russian energy sources,” declared Zelensky.
The Ukrainian president also highlighted mutual cooperation with Slovakia in the economic and infrastructure areas. He mentioned projects in the area of cross-border movement and the expansion of capacities at the borders. He also pointed to electricity supplies to Ukraine from Slovakia, as Kyiv faces Russian drone and missile attacks. He also reminded of the integration of Ukrainian railways into the European network. “We have thousands of similar projects ahead of us. Ukraine will definitely be part of the European Union,” he declared. (September 5)
“We are ready to ensure energy stability for Slovakia, as well as for other partners, and we want to have joint projects. We have one principle, no Russian energy sources.” Volodymyr Zelensky
