Zelenskiy is inviting Fico to Ukraine to discuss 'all existing issues' - Zelenskiy's office says

Zelenskiy is inviting Fico to Ukraine to discuss 'all existing issues' - Zelenskiy's office says

Zelenskiy Invites Fico to Ukraine to Address Energy, Security, and EU Accession Challenges

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has extended an invitation to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to meet in Ukraine to discuss "all existing issues," according to Zelenskiy's office. The meeting follows a September 5, 2025, encounter in Uzhgorod, near the Slovak-Ukrainian border, where Fico delivered a message from Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling indirect efforts to initiate dialogue between the two leaders.

The discussions are expected to focus on energy security, post-war stability, and Ukraine's stalled EU accession process. Zelenskiy emphasized the need to reduce reliance on Russian energy exports, stating, "Russian oil, just as Russian gas, has no future," a reference to Ukraine's recent disruption of pipelines transporting Russian oil and gas to Central Europe. Slovakia, however, remains heavily dependent on Russian energy supplies, a stance that has drawn criticism from EU partners seeking to phase out Russian imports.

Fico, who recently attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in China, has advocated for normalized economic ties with Russia, citing the importance of "safe and regular gas supplies" via TurkStream. This position contrasts with Zelenskiy's push for European energy independence and broader sanctions against Russia. Analysts note that Putin's proposed peace terms—potentially including recognition of occupied Ukrainian territories and sanctions relief—remain at odds with Ukraine's and the EU's strategic priorities.

The meeting also highlights tensions within the EU. While Slovakia supports Ukraine's EU accession bid, Hungary has actively blocked the process. Zelenskiy reiterated that bilateral cooperation in energy and infrastructure could strengthen regional stability, but Slovakia's energy policies continue to strain EU cohesion.

For investors, the evolving dynamics underscore risks and opportunities in Eastern European energy markets, EU sanctions enforcement, and the geopolitical costs of prolonged conflict. The outcome of these talks may influence regional trade flows, sanctions frameworks, and the pace of Ukraine's integration with European institutions.

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