On Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico in Moscow. The visit was one of the few by an EU leader since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the meeting as a “working visit.” He confirmed that Putin and Fico held direct talks. The discussions focused on international issues and Russian natural gas supplies.
Slovakia still receives Russian gas through Ukraine under a deal expiring this year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Kyiv will not renew the agreement. Fico argued this decision could harm Slovakia’s energy needs.
To prepare for disruptions, Slovakia has diversified its energy sources. It signed a short-term deal with Azerbaijan. It also arranged to import U.S. liquefied natural gas through Poland. Additionally, Slovakia can access gas via Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.
Most EU leaders have avoided direct contact with Putin since the war began. However, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Austria’s Chancellor Karl Nehammer recently met him. Both visits drew criticism from Kyiv and EU nations.
Fico’s stance on Russia differs from most EU leaders. Since returning to power, he ended military aid to Ukraine. He opposed EU sanctions on Russia and blocked Ukraine’s NATO membership.
Fico also appeared on Russian state television. He blamed the West for extending the war by supporting Ukraine. He announced plans to attend Moscow’s Victory Day parade next May. Russia uses the event to display its military power.
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