Zelensky Requests Meeting with Fico, Yet Fico Declines the Invitation
Article Refreshed:
Ukraine War Updates +++ 19:58 "I'd rather not meet him": Fico declines sit-down with Zelensky
Outspoken Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has passed on a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, citing a lack of desire to engage due to his dislike for the Ukrainian leader. After a rocky relationship that's seen tensions rise between Ukraine and Slovakia, Fico made waves on Slovakian television while stating that a meeting with Zelensky would be futile due to the Ukrainian president's animosity towards him.
The current spat between these eastern European nations comes on the heels of Slovakia's decision to block the latest round of EU sanctions against Russia. Fico's reasoning for this? Centralizing Slovakia's focus on domestic interests such as energy prices, an attempt to shield Slovakia from potential gas price hikes resulting from Ukraine's ongoing situation. Despite this rocky road, Fico maintains support for Ukraine's pursuit of EU membership, viewing Ukraine's accession as advantageous for Slovakia as well.
Other Developments
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj is betting on good relations with Poland's upcoming President, Karol Nawrocki, who has voiced criticism of Kyiv. Mutual support and understanding are vital, says Selenskyj, going on to reassure that Ukraine will do its part to foster closeness between the two nations.
- Due to high losses and limited access to modern equipment, the Russian army is being forced to resort to reactivating old T-62 tanks, according to Ukrainian military intelligence. Although considered outdated by Western standards, the T-62s are being refurbished at a Russian facility in Atamanowka and sent to the frontlines out west.
- A surprise drone attack was carried out overnight on a Russian military airfield in the occupied Kirowske on the Crimea, according to the SBU domestic intelligence service. Several combat helicopters and a Russian air defense system were reportedly destroyed by the attack, with several explosions being heard overnight.
- German MP Jens Spahn has called on Germany to gain access to Europe's nuclear weapons as a way to counter the ongoing threat from Russia. Spahn urges for a consolidated European nuclear umbrella, including German participation if needed, along with increased preparation for defense, warning that complacency about security in Germany is dangerous.
- Partisans in the Donetsk region have sabotaged a railway line near Yasynuvata, disrupting the delivery of fuel for Russian forces in the area.
- Ukraine claims to have intercepted a new Russian Grom-1 missile, with debris currently being analyzed. Significant damage was done to targets in the Bryansk region of Russia through a drone attack by Ukrainian forces.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has honored outgoing Polish President Andrzej Duda with the Order of Freedom during Duda's farewell visit to Kyiv, recognizing Duda's efforts towards strengthening Polish-Ukrainian cooperation and advocating for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Late at night, a civilian building was hit by a drone during a Russian attack on the port city of Odessa, resulting in at least 14 injuries and one fatal incident involving a couple. This continues a series of escalating drone attacks on Ukrainian cities throughout the night and into the early hours of the morning.
Sources:
[1] Reuters[2] AP News[3] Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty[4] NBC News
- The ongoing tension between Ukraine and Slovakia, as evidenced by Slovakia's blocking of EU sanctions against Russia, seems to have spilled over into the realm of politics, with Prime Minister Robert Fico's refusal to engage with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky due to personal dislike.
- Amidst the escalating Ukraine-Russia conflict, calls for increased security measures have been echoed, such as German MP Jens Spahn's plea for access to Europe's nuclear weapons and a consolidated European nuclear umbrella, including German participation if needed.
