Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said his country could host technical-level Ukraine-Russia talks but might lack the standing to organize a meeting capable of advancing negotiations, The Kyiv Independent reported Nov. 5.
Fico was in Lviv for the fourth joint session of the Slovak and Ukrainian governments. The Kyiv Independent quoted him calling Slovakia “too small a player on the international scene” as he questioned its ability to convene an effective meeting.
Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár had offered Bratislava for lower-level preparatory meetings during an Oct. 26 meeting in Moscow with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Slovakia’s Foreign Ministry said Lavrov considered the proposal acceptable. Blanár’s offer concerned preparatory sessions, while Fico’s reported remarks addressed Slovakia’s ability to organize a consequential meeting.
Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers said the two governments signed a cooperation declaration in Lviv. Slovakia announced €500,000 in energy assistance for 54 generators, which the Cabinet said were due to arrive by the end of November. Slovakia separately allocated €300,000 for civil-protection shelters and €200,000 for medical equipment for Ukrainian hospitals.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Nov. 4 that preparations were underway for a team-level format in Abu Dhabi involving Ukraine, the United States and Russia. He said it was expected in less than a week.
