Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Uzhhorod on 5 September, with energy infrastructure set as the primary agenda item, the Slovak government's press service reported to the TASR agency.
The meeting in Uzhhorod represents a critical juncture for Slovak-Ukrainian relations, particularly as both countries navigate competing energy security priorities while maintaining their positions on the ongoing war.
The Slovak government press service confirmed that Fico will arrive in Uzhhorod on 5 September. Besides meeting with Zelenskyy, he will also hold talks with Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. His delegation includes Economy Minister Denisa Sakova and Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar, with energy infrastructure discussions expected to dominate the talks.
"The Slovak premier and Ukrainian president will inform about the meeting's conclusions at a joint press conference," the government added, according to the report.
This marks the first bilateral meeting between Fico and Zelenskyy since the Slovak premier returned to office in 2023. The timing comes amid escalating tensions over energy transit routes that directly affect Slovakia's oil supplies.
Hungary and Slovakia continue receiving Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline, which Ukraine has targeted in recent attacks. Slovak and Hungarian foreign ministers have complained to the European Commission about these attacks, highlighting the regional energy security concerns.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban escalated the diplomatic response by writing to Trump about Ukraine's attacks on the Druzhba pipeline, with the former president reportedly expressing anger over the situation. However, on 4 September, American President Donald Trump told European leaders that Europe "should stop purchasing Russian oil," which he said helps Moscow finance the war against Ukraine.
