The Slovak Ministry of Foreign Affairs has rejected Volodymyr Zelensky's accusations that Prime Minister Robert Fico is acting under Vladimir Putin's orders to escalate the energy conflict with Ukraine.

Slovakia has expressed outrage over Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's remarks that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has opened a "second energy front" with his threats to cut off electricity supplies to Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia is open to a Slovakian proposal to host peace talks with Ukraine to end a conflict he said Russia was determined to bring to a conclusion.

Ukraine's President Zelenskiy accuses Slovakia's PM Fico of opening a second energy front against Ukraine at Russia's behest. This follows Fico's visit to Moscow and threatens reciprocal energy sanctions.

Slovakia has rejected Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's accusation that Prime Minister Robert Fico had opened a "second energy front" against Kyiv on the orders of Russia as a gas transit dispute deepened between the countries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Slovakia had said it could host discussions between Russia and Ukraine. Putin also said there was no time left

Slovakia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it views Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s reaction to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s threats as "exaggerated." Read also: Slovak Defense Minister suggests Ukraine cede territory for peace The Ministry firmly rejected what it called "unfounded statements" about opening a “second energy