Ukrainian and Slovak Prime Ministers in Dialogue: Progress on Infrastructure and Energy Security

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has entered into talks with his Slovak counterpart Robert Fico to advance cooperation in the fields of infrastructure, energy security, and support for Kyiv's peace plan. These negotiations are particularly significant given Fico's critical stance on Western military aid for Ukraine, a view he shares with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The talks focus on developing collaboration in infrastructure projects and supporting Ukraine's energy supply, with a significant portion of electricity still sourced from Slovakia. Fico has made it clear that he opposes a military solution to the Ukrainian-Russian conflict, while simultaneously advocating for sustainable peace and respect for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. As a NATO and EU member, Slovakia is interested in stable energy supply. Given the impending contract expiration between Ukraine and Russian gas supplier Gazprom, the Slovak state gas company SPP is seeking ways to extend gas transit contracts. Kyiv, on the other hand, shows little desire to renew the existing transit agreement, a situation that could affect the supply to Central European countries. Recently, tensions arose between Ukraine and Slovakia when Kyiv imposed sanctions against Russian oil company Lukoil, which supplied Slovak refineries. However, this conflict was resolved, and the oil flow was restored.