Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico at the Kremlin, focusing on international relations and energy supplies as Europe’s gas tensions mount.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico visited Moscow for a one-on-one meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking his first trip to the Russian capital since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.
The unannounced visit saw discussions on global issues and potential natural gas supply disruptions. Slovakia, heavily reliant on Russian gas, faces uncertainty as a key transit agreement through Ukraine is set to expire at the end of December.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Russian state media that the leaders focused on “international issues,” adding that energy concerns likely featured prominently.
Fico’s controversial stance
Fico, a vocal critic of EU sanctions on Russia, returned to power last year on a platform opposing military aid to Ukraine and advocating for Slovakia’s economic interests. His leftist Smer party’s pro-Russian and anti-American rhetoric has set him apart from other European leaders.
Since resuming office, Fico has ended Slovakia’s military assistance to Ukraine and promised to block Ukraine’s NATO membership bid. His meeting with Putin follows months of growing concerns over energy security as winter approaches.
Energy supply at risk
Ukraine has announced it will not renew a transit deal allowing Russian gas to flow to Europe via its territory, raising fears of supply shortages in Slovakia and Hungary. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hinted this week that Kyiv might reconsider if Moscow halts financial gains from the transit.
“We will not allow additional billions to be earned on our blood and the lives of our citizens,” Zelensky said. He added that Ukraine could consider extending the agreement under strict conditions.
Zelensky also criticised Fico’s priorities, stating, “It’s shameful to talk about money during a war when lives are being lost.”
The European Commission has assured member states that alternative energy supplies are in place should the agreement expire.
Domestic backlash
Fico’s visit has drawn sharp criticism at home. Progressive Slovakia leader Michal Šime?ka called the trip “a disgrace to Slovakia and a betrayal of national interests.”
“If gas transit is the real issue, the Prime Minister should be negotiating with Ukraine, not aiding Putin’s propaganda machine,” Šime?ka said on X, formerly Twitter.
