Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on Saturday of executing "orders" from Russian President Vladimir Putin to open a new front against Ukraine at the expense of the Slovak people.

This accusation comes amid an escalating energy crisis between Kyiv and Bratislava, with both sides exchanging threats that further complicate relations between the two countries.

In a social media post, Zelensky said, "It seems that Putin ordered Fico to open a second energy front against Ukraine, even if it is at the expense of the Slovak people.

He considered Fico's threats to cut emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine during the winter, while Ukrainian power stations are under Russian attacks, "can only be interpreted in this context.

Zelensky's statements came after Fico threatened on Friday to stop electricity supplies to Ukraine if Kyiv blocked the transit of Russian gas to Slovakia, as reported by Radio Free Europe.