"Waiting for one leader, but another arrived": Zelenskyy met with Slovak opposition figures

On Friday, January 17, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met in Kyiv with a delegation from the Slovak opposition party "Progressive Slovakia," led by its leader Michal Šimečka.

The President reported this on his Telegram channel.

"Friday. I was expecting one Slovak leader – but another arrived. It was a good meeting with Slovak parliamentarians. We had a very specific and constructive conversation. This dialogue should strengthen our nations – Ukraine and Slovakia, not Moscow. I’m glad that we can find common ground with the Slovak side and provide appropriate responses to questions regarding energy security and geopolitical certainty," Zelenskyy said.

At the same time, the President emphasized that Ukraine is open to serious dialogue with Slovakia, particularly regarding energy security and finding practical solutions for energy supply.

"We are ready to assist the Slovak people in terms of energy stability and security. It’s very important for us to hear a signal from the Slovak people that you will also support Ukrainians on our path to the EU and NATO. This is a key issue for us because of the war, because of the security guarantees that are very important to us," the Head of State noted.

In the press release regarding the meeting with the Slovak delegation, published on the Ukrainian president’s website, it was emphasized that in the war started by Russia, Ukrainians are defending not only the future of their own country but also the future of all of Europe. Therefore, it is crucial to apply all possible pressure on the aggressor to achieve a fair and lasting peace.

For his part, Michal Šimečka thanked the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the people of Ukraine "for their bravery in defending their homeland and all of Europe."

"Many people in Slovakia deeply appreciate this. They pray for Ukraine – a safe, sovereign country that lives in peace and joins the European Union," he said.

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