Zelensky: It seems Putin has tasked Fico with launching a second energy front against Ukraine.

"It seems that [illegitimate Russian President Vladimir] Putin has instructed Fico to open a second energy front against Ukraine at the expense of the interests of the Slovak people. Such threats from Fico to cut off emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine during winter amidst Russian strikes on our power plants and distribution network can only mean that," wrote Zelensky.

He reminded that Ukraine's need for electricity imports arose solely due to the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant by the aggressor state, Russia, and the "deliberate destruction by Russian missiles and Shaheds of a significant part of Ukraine's thermal and hydroelectric generation capacity."

"Now Fico is dragging Slovakia into Russia's attempts to inflict pain on Ukrainians," noted Zelensky. "We remind Fico that, firstly, supporting criminal Russian aggression is absolutely immoral. Secondly, Fico's shortsighted policies have already left the Slovak people without compensation for the loss of Russian gas transit and may also deprive them of $200 million annually, which Ukraine pays for imported electricity."

According to the president, it would be more beneficial for everyone in Europe, and particularly for the Slovak people, "to cooperate with neighbors and the EU to increase energy resource supplies to Europe, particularly gas from America and other partners," and "only this can reduce energy prices for most families."

As Zelensky pointed out, Slovakia's share in electricity imports to Ukraine is about 19%.

"The Ukrainian government is working with our neighbors in the EU to preserve the necessary volume of electricity supply. Slovakia is part of a unified European energy market, and Fico must respect pan-European rules," emphasized the president.

Zelensky assured that "any arbitrary decisions in Bratislava or orders from Moscow" regarding electricity for Fico will not halt electricity imports to Ukraine, but "could certainly lead to a rift between the current Slovak government and the European community."

In a video address published on December 27, Fico threatened to halt electricity supplies to Ukraine during its energy system's deficit following Russian airstrikes if Kyiv stops the transit of Russian gas to Central Europe (Slovakia is one of the largest remaining buyers of Russian gas in the EU).

According to Fico, the cessation of supplies would lead the European Union to face additional energy costs, while Slovakia would experience rising gas prices.

"Who cares about some Slovakia, really, Mr. [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelensky? But when you need something to avoid freezing in winter, you scream," said the Slovak prime minister.