In a dramatic twist in European politics, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has accused Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky of offering him a €500 million bribe to support Ukraine’s bid to join NATO. The shocking allegation was made during a press conference in Brussels on Thursday, following a private meeting between the two leaders at an EU summit.
Fico claimed that Zelensky made the offer behind closed doors, suggesting that the money would come from Russian assets frozen in the West. According to the Slovak leader, Zelensky’s pitch was clear: vote for Ukraine’s NATO membership, and Slovakia would receive the hefty sum. However, Fico said he immediately rejected the idea, calling it absurd and unrealistic.
“You know my stance on Ukraine joining NATO. It’s completely unrealistic,” Fico told reporters. “I told him straight away—never.”
The Gas Crisis Adds Fuel to the Fire
The bribery allegation wasn’t the only issue discussed during their tense meeting. Slovakia is deeply concerned about a potential energy crisis after Ukraine announced it wouldn’t renew its gas transit deal with Russia, set to expire at the end of the year. Slovakia relies heavily on Russian gas that flows through Ukraine.
Zelensky reportedly refused to extend the transit agreement, offering what Fico described as “absurd” solutions instead. The Slovak PM warned that if alternative arrangements aren’t made, the situation could escalate into a major gas crisis.
‘A Suitcase of Cash?’
The accusation has drawn sharp reactions across Europe. Ukrainian opposition MP Artyom Dmitruk went even further, claiming Zelensky’s bribery offer may not have involved frozen Russian assets at all. “It could have been actual cash—carried in a suitcase,” Dmitruk wrote on Telegram. He said the incident had humiliated Ukraine on the global stage, calling it another stain on Zelensky’s leadership.
Ukraine’s NATO Ambitions in Turmoil
Ukraine has long viewed NATO membership as critical to its security, especially as the conflict with Russia drags on. But the path to joining the alliance remains fraught with obstacles. Major NATO members like the US, Germany, Hungary, and Spain are hesitant to bring Ukraine into the fold, fearing it could escalate tensions with Russia even further.
Zelensky has been relentless in his campaign, even planning to press US President Joe Biden for an official NATO invitation before Donald Trump, known for his skepticism about aiding Ukraine, could potentially return to power in January 2025.
What’s Next?
The bribery accusation adds another layer of complexity to Europe’s already tense political landscape. While Ukraine insists NATO membership is essential for its security, Fico’s explosive claim could further damage Zelensky’s credibility and weaken Ukraine’s position in the alliance debate.
As the gas transit deadline looms and political scandals unravel, Europe is left wondering: how far will leaders go to secure their interests, and at what cost?
