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

Tetyana Vysotska, Alona Mazurenko - 19 June, 18:25

Robert Fico. Photo: Getty Images

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.

Fico said that because of the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, not only was Ukraine mentioned in the conclusions of the European Council meeting, but it became the dominant topic throughout virtually the entire previous day.

Fico specified that he had met Zelenskyy in person during the summit, and noted that this was their second face-to-face meeting.

The Slovak PM stated that on many issues, they had fundamentally different views. However, he emphasised that he was a supporter of dialogue and that it was therefore his duty to engage in dialogue even with those whose views differ from his.

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

Robert Fico said that they wanted to see a stable and democratic Ukraine because Slovakia needs such an ally, adding that what interested him most was when the next joint meeting of the governments of Slovakia and Ukraine might take place.

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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