On January 30, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to Ukraine Pavel Vízdal was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, to whom was expressed a strong rejection of the statements by official Bratislava regarding the alleged interference of Ukraine in the internal affairs of the Slovak Republic.

Particularly, it was emphasized that the Ukrainian Side maintains and develops friendly contacts with all international partners who comprehensively assist our state amid the Russian full-scale military aggression.

Deputy Minister Olexandr Mischenko expressed deep disappointment that Prime Minister Fico currently acts as speaking trumpet of the Kremlin and, by neglecting the Slovak Republic's membership in the European Union, resorts to illogical actions.

Olexandr Mischenko stated that such actions by representatives of the Slovak authorities are unacceptable, especially in the context of Russia's unprecedented aggression against Ukraine, and cause serious harm not only to traditionally good Ukrainian-Slovak relations but is also undermining the unity of the European Union and the Euro-Atlantic community in countering the aggressor state.

The attempts by the Slovak Government to maintain its dependence on Russian energy supplies are unacceptable, despite the joint efforts of the EU and European partners to reduce such dependence and diversify energy sources, as well as ignoring the arguments of the Ukrainian side to deprive Russia of the means of financing terror against Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.

Official Bratislava is urged to stop this policy and revert to a constructive dialogue and the development of good neighbourly relations between our countries and peoples.

Deputy Minister emphasized that the Ukrainian people, who today pay with their lives for their freedom and the security of all of Europe, retain a deep gratitude to the people of Slovakia for all the support and assistance received since the beginning of
the full-scale Russian aggression.