Slovak PM after meeting with Zelenskyy: we have fundamentally opposing views

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of a EU leaders' summit on 18 June, has concluded that they hold fundamentally opposing views, but expressed a willingness to continue dialogue.

Source: Fico speaking to journalists on 19 June, as reported by a European Pravda correspondent in Brussels

Details: Fico wants to continue dialogue with Zelenskyy despite the differing views of the two politicians.

"Not only in the European Council conclusions, but also throughout virtually the entire day yesterday, the dominant topic was Ukraine, with the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom I met in person," Fico said.

He noted that this was their second face-to-face meeting.

"Let me briefly return to this meeting. On many issues we have fundamentally different views – fundamentally different views. However, as you know, I am an advocate of dialogue, and therefore it is my duty to engage in dialogue even with people whose views differ from mine," the politician explained.

Fico predicted that he would again have an opportunity to speak briefly with Zelenskyy in Gdańsk, on the sidelines of the Ukraine Recovery Conference.

"We wish to see a stable and democratic Ukraine because Slovakia needs such a Ukraine. What interests me most is when the next joint meeting of the Slovak and Ukrainian governments can take place," Robert Fico said.

Background:

• Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that Ukraine and Slovakia are working on the date and venue for the next round of intergovernmental consultations.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that intergovernmental consultations between Ukraine and Slovakia may take place by the end of June in Kyiv or Bratislava.
• Zelenskyy proposed holding the intergovernmental meeting in Kyiv, while Fico wants Bratislava to be the venue.

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