Slovak PM meets Putin in surprise Moscow visit
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico made an unexpected trip to Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, becoming just the third Western leader to do so since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago.
Fico, a strong critic of the European Union’s support for Ukraine, stated that the discussions focused on the supply of Russian gas to Slovakia, which relies on it. The existing agreement with Gazprom to transit energy through Ukraine to Slovakia is set to expire at the end of this year.
Fico confirmed on Facebook that EU officials were notified of his trip and its purpose on Friday.
He explained that the meeting was prompted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s objections to Russian gas passing through Ukrainian territory, which he conveyed to EU leaders.
Fico, who survived an assassination attempt earlier this year, also shared that he had an extensive conversation with Putin, during which they exchanged views on the military situation in Ukraine. The two leaders also discussed options for a potential peaceful resolution to the war and the bilateral relations between Russia and Slovakia.
Both Slovakia and Hungary, which depend on Russian gas, have expressed concerns about potential disruptions to their supplies.
Since Fico assumed office again in October 2023, he has halted Slovakia’s military aid to Ukraine but emphasized his desire to remain a “good, friendly neighbor” to the country.
Fico’s meeting with Putin came as the leaders of Italy, Sweden, Greece and Finland met on Sunday for a security summit.
Speaking afterwards, Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said Russia was a “permanent and dangerous threat” to the EU.
He also stressed the need for increased defence spending and support for Ukraine.
