Ukraine is ready to provide Slovakia with energy assistance, yet it is important to see signals of the Slovak side's commitment to supporting Ukraine on its EU and NATO accession path, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Friday, ahead of his meeting with the leader of the oppositional party Progressive Slovakia, Michal Simecka.

"Also, we are ready to discuss energy security. I understand that this is a sensitive topic. Of course, we are very open. We are ready to help Slovakia with energy stability and security. However, it is very important to us to hear signals from Slovakia, that you support Ukrainians on our path to the EU and NATO. It is very important to us," he said, addressing the Slovak opposition leader, according to an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent.

"We are ready to welcome the leader of our friends – the Slovak people – however, another leader has come. We are grateful to the Slovak people for supporting our people. […] Your visit is a signal that you support our sovereignty and territorial integrity," Zelenskyy said.

The head of state also emphasized that Ukraine, for its part, is ready to start a dialogue between the Ukrainian and Slovak sides and their representatives.

Simecka thanked Zelenskyy for the meeting, Ukrainians and Ukrainian servicemen for their courage and heroism, noting that they are defending not only Ukraine but also the entire Europe.

"I just wanted to send a signal that many people in Slovakia appreciate Ukraine very much. And we wish Ukraine to be safe, sovereign and living in the European Union. These are the absolutely key things for our peoples," he said.

The politician added that Ukraine should become part of the EU because that would help its economy.

"So, Ukraine is Europe, and I am saying this on behalf of my political party, members of parliament, as well as voters and people in Slovakia. We will do everything to support Ukraine," he said.