Slovakia summoned the Ukrainian ambassador following President Zelensky's criticism of Fico's policies.

The Slovak Foreign Ministry summoned Ukraine's ambassador to Bratislava, Myroslav Kastran, on January 29 after Kyiv criticized the country's Prime Minister Robert Fico for his desire to continue importing Russian gas to Slovakia, as reported on social media.

Throughout this month, tensions between Fico and President Volodymyr Zelensky have been escalating.

In his recent speech on January 28, the Slovak Prime Minister referred to Zelensky as an "enemy" of Slovakia.

"Many in Europe have chosen to maintain their independence and sovereignty. But not Mr. Fico. He chooses Moscow over America and other partners who could supply his country with gas on commercial terms. This is his mistake," the President of Ukraine responded.

According to the ministry's statement, the Slovak office expressed "strong protest" to the Ukrainian ambassador regarding statements made by the Ukrainian side, without specifying which ones.

"These statements are considered interference in the internal affairs of the Slovak Republic," the ministry stated.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has not commented on this move as of now.

Fico, a pro-Russian politician who has long opposed military assistance to Ukraine, has intensified threats against Kyiv following the cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine on January 1.

He threatened to limit assistance to Ukrainians and halt electricity supplies amid the energy crisis caused by relentless Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy grid.

Fico's friendship with the Kremlin has drawn condemnation from other European leaders. Additionally, mass protests erupted in Bratislava in early January against Fico's policies, during which thousands chanted "We are not Russia!".

Background. It is worth noting that for the third time in two days, an attempt to hold a parliamentary session in Slovakia to discuss a vote of no confidence in Robert Fico's government has failed. Only 56 out of 150 deputies attended the session. The plenary will attempt to discuss the vote of no confidence at the next scheduled meeting, set for February 4.