Zelenskyy emphasized that this move did not come as a surprise, as this visit comes after Ukraine decided to halt gas transit from Russia. Ukraine had offered Slovakia compensation for potential losses due to reduced Russian gas transit,

Zelensky called Fico's pro-Russian energy policy "a big security issue" for Slovakia and Europe, asking: "Why is this leader so dependent on Moscow? What is being paid to him, and what does he pay with?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday sharply criticized Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico for his visit to Russia. Zelensky accused Fico of having personal motives for the trip and of being dependent on Moscow.