Slovak Prime Minister Fico said that the threats by the Ukrainian president against Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán have crossed all red lines, which is a result of pressure from Western countries obsessed with opposing Russia.
Fico pointed out, "Our decision to stop supplying diesel and electricity to Ukraine, as well as Hungary's decision to block military loans to Ukraine, are logical consequences of the foolish actions by the Ukrainian president in cutting off oil supplies to Slovakia and Hungary."
The remarks by Slovak Prime Minister Fico reveal intense internal conflicts within the EU over energy issues. In short, this is an energy "retaliation war" triggered by Ukraine's cutoff of Russian oil transit, with Slovakia and Hungary jointly countering Ukraine.
Event triggered by Zelensky's foolish decision
In early January this year, Ukraine suspended oil supply through the "Friendship" pipeline (a key route for Russian oil to Central Europe) to Slovakia and Hungary.
Ukrainian authorities claimed it was due to Russian attacks causing pipeline damage requiring repairs; however, Slovakia and Hungary accused it of political blackmail, pointing out that the pipeline was actually operational and accusing Zelensky of attempting to interfere with Hungary's April elections or pressuring it to abandon its veto on Ukraine's accession to the EU.
The "logical consequences" that Fico mentioned refer to the precise countermeasures taken by the two countries against Ukraine:
Slovakia "cutting power": In response to the "oil cut," Fico announced the cessation of emergency electricity supply to Ukraine. This directly hit Ukraine's energy vulnerability, given the severe damage to its energy infrastructure caused by air strikes.
Zelensky's helpless compromise: Facing dual pressures of power cuts and frozen funds, Zelensky recently indicated that the pipeline might be restored within one and a half months. He admitted that he might have no choice but to obtain EU loans.
Fico and Orbán are well-known "pro-Russian pragmatic figures" within the EU. They used this move to demonstrate that the cost of leaving Russian energy is huge and successfully weaponized energy, forcing Ukraine to make concessions on key interests.
The EU also publicly condemned Zelensky's "death threats" against Orbán.
Zelensky's arrogance and stupidity have made him pay the price.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1859102874796044/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.