Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has expressed that he deems it necessary to coordinate with the European Commission before arranging a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He emphasized the importance of aligning their positions on the Druzhba oil pipeline, a critical energy infrastructure that is significant for both nations amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Fico's comments come after a phone conversation between the two leaders on February 27, where they agreed to meet in person, with proposed dates being March 6 or 9.

Fico conveyed his intent to visit Kyiv but highlighted that any such meeting would follow his discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This indicates a strategic approach to Slovak foreign policy, prioritizing coordination with European partners before bilateral discussions. With Fico set to attend a nuclear forum in Paris, he confirmed that discussions regarding the meeting with Zelenskyy would aim for organization post his talks with von der Leyen, showcasing the interconnected nature of European diplomatic relations.

This development underscores the ongoing complexity of regional politics, especially concerning energy security and collaboration amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Fico's conditions reflect Slovakia's commitment to a united European response involving critical energy matters, suggesting that discussions on the Druzhba pipeline could hold broader implications for inter-European relations and energy dependencies in the wake of the war.