Slovakia and Hungary have stated that they will resist pressure from US President Donald Trump to reduce imports of Russian oil and gas until alternative suppliers are secured. Slovak Economy Minister Denisa Sakova and Hungarian Government Minister Gergely Gulyás confirmed that their countries would not take steps that threaten their energy security.
Thousands of people protested across Slovakia against the economic and pro-Russian policies of Prime Minister Robert Fico. Rallies took place in 16 cities, including the capital Bratislava, due to Fico's trip to China and meeting with Putin, as well as due to austerity measures.
This decision is linked to Fico's rapprochement with Putin and Xi Jinping, as well as accusations of violating the rule of law.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico called for an investigation into who controlled the drones that violated Polish airspace on September 10. He expressed solidarity with Poland and offered cooperation in the investigation of the incident.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said that Putin allegedly expressed interest in negotiations with Zelenskyy "in any other place. " Fico also stated that Zelenskyy is allegedly ready for such a meeting, despite possible political risks.
Ukraine thanked Slovakia for supporting its European integration aspirations and opening negotiation clusters with the EU. The parties discussed economic cooperation, infrastructure and energy projects, including the Uzhhorod-Chop railway section.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is responding to Russian strikes on energy facilities and will not tolerate darkness. Ukraine is ready to ensure Slovakia's energy stability by offering joint energy projects without Russian resources.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that negotiations with Putin concerned only bilateral cooperation. He denied information about discussing an energy blockade of Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy and Slovak Prime Minister Fico held a substantive conversation. Zelenskyy informed Fico about his conversation with Donald Trump and the results of the Coalition of the Willing meeting.
President Zelenskyy announced that 15% of army revenues come from Ukrainian communities. He emphasized the importance of continuing this support.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Robert Fico in Uzhhorod. Fico arrived after negotiations with Putin, intending to discuss attacks on oil infrastructure.
Robert Fico and António Costa met on the border with Ukraine. They discussed Fico's visit to China and the regional situation.
President Zelenskyy stated that 26 out of 35 countries are ready to provide real security support to Ukraine, including the USA. He also discussed with Trump paths to peace and disappointment with some European countries that finance Russia.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Uzhhorod on September 5. The main topic of negotiations will be energy infrastructure.
President Zelenskyy stated that Putin fears Ukraine's success and its accession to the EU, as this could set an example for Russians. He also emphasized that NATO expansion is important to Putin, even though the Alliance is a defensive organization.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, at a meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, stated that Russia is not against Ukraine's accession to the EU, but NATO is a "red line. " He also did not rule out joint operation of the ZNPP under "favorable circumstances."
The dictator lies about "retaliation for strikes on Russian oil refineries," as Russia has been systematically attacking Ukrainian energy infrastructure since 2022.
Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow is not against Ukraine's European integration, but NATO membership is unacceptable. Robert Fico confirmed his position on Ukraine's EU accession provided all criteria are met and expressed opposition to NATO membership.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on September 5. This will happen after his return from Beijing, where Fico will participate in a parade and meet with the leaders of China and Russia.
Armenia and China officially entered into a strategic partnership, agreeing to expand cooperation in political, economic, and humanitarian spheres. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed a joint statement during the SCO summit, reaffirming support for the "one China" principle.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico may meet in China. The meeting will take place during a parade in Beijing dedicated to the end of World War II in the Asian theater of operations.
MEP Rihards Kols stated that the prime ministers of Hungary and Slovakia, Viktor Orbán and Robert Fico, are destroying Europe from within. He expressed disappointment with Europe's stance and hope for changes in Hungary after the upcoming elections.
In a phone conversation, Donald Trump emphasized to Russian President Putin the necessity of a direct meeting with Zelensky. This meeting, by agreement, is to take place by the end of August. Trump believes that the Kremlin leader should be a "realist"
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico supports Ukraine's accession to the EU, but not to NATO, and believes that without resolving the issue of "territorial changes" it is difficult to achieve peace. He is also skeptical about additional sanctions against Russia and refuses to pay for weapons for Ukraine.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico spoke about the "root causes of the war" in Ukraine and called for security guarantees for Russia. He also used talking points from Kremlin rhetoric when commenting on Donald Trump's meeting with Vladimir Putin.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that the coming days will show whether EU countries will support the peace process. He also expressed doubt about the effectiveness of the current European strategy to weaken Russia.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that his country provides significant assistance to Ukraine, but relations cannot be one-sided. He pointed to Ukraine's cessation of gas supplies through its territory, which harmed Slovakia.
Ukraine welcomes the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia, but considers it insufficient. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko emphasized the need to strengthen sanction policy, particularly from the US, to limit Russia's ability to continue the war.
The European Union has approved the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, covering the banking, energy, and military-industrial sectors. The package includes a new dynamic oil price cap, and Slovakia supported it after receiving guarantees regarding gas prices.
EU ambassadors approved the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. Slovakia, which previously blocked the sanctions, supported them after reaching agreements with the European Commission on gas prices.
