The two held talks in Uzhhorod, western Ukraine. A Ukrainian official said the talks focused on infrastructure cooperation, energy security and support for Kiev’s peace plan.
“She says,” Shmyhal said in a joint press conference with Vizzo Ukraine “Once again, it will not extend the transfer agreement with Russia beyond its expiration.”
He added, “Ukraine’s strategic goal is to deprive the Kremlin of profits from the sale of hydrocarbons that the aggressor uses to finance the war.”
Slovakia, a member of NATO and the European Union that borders Ukraine, opposes Kiev joining NATO, but has a strong interest in maintaining the transportation of oil and gas from Russia to the West via Ukraine.
SBP, the state gas buyer in Slovakia, said this month that it was continuing negotiations to secure an extension of gas transportation through Ukraine after Kiev’s contract with Russian supplier Gazprom expires at the end of the year.
