Slovak PM meets Putin in unannounced Moscow visit
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Fico said after the meeting that his trip was 'a response' to Kyiv's position on halting gas transit to Slovakia via Ukraine
Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico made a surprise, unannounced visit to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Fico’s visit marks him as only the third Western leader to meet Putin since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, following Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer.
Fico, known for his outspoken opposition to the European Union’s support for Ukraine, stated that the primary topic of his discussions with Putin was the future of Russian gas supplies to Slovakia. The country heavily relies on Russian energy, and a crucial gas transit deal with Russian energy giant Gazprom through Ukraine is set to expire at the end of the year. However, Ukraine has indicated that it will not renew this agreement, creating uncertainty over Slovakia’s energy security.
In a Facebook post, Fico confirmed that top EU officials had been informed of his trip, including the purpose of his visit, on the preceding Friday. He further relayed that Putin had expressed his willingness to continue supplying gas to Slovakia, but he acknowledged that this would be difficult due to Ukraine’s refusal to extend the deal. Despite this, Fico remains hopeful about maintaining energy ties with Russia, but he pointed out that without Ukraine’s cooperation, it would be “practically impossible.”
Fico, a controversial figure in Slovakia’s politics, also discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine during his Moscow trip, proposing the possibility of an “early, peaceful end of the war.” The Slovak leader is known for his pro-Russian stance and has repeatedly criticized the West for its treatment of Putin. He contends that the Russian president has been “wrongly demonized” by Western countries and continues to push for stronger ties with Moscow.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the discussions surrounding gas supplies, noting that Russian gas remains “necessary for the normal operation” of several European economies. Peskov acknowledged that the situation surrounding energy in Europe is complex but stopped short of providing concrete solutions.
Fico’s visit has drawn harsh criticism both domestically and internationally. In Slovakia, opposition parties have condemned his actions, accusing him of aligning with Russian propaganda and undermining the country’s national interests. Michal Simecka, a representative from the Progressive Slovakia party, labeled the visit a “disgrace for Slovakia” and claimed that Fico was using the country as a tool for Russian influence. Fico’s critics argue that by meeting with Putin, he is betraying Slovakia’s obligations to the European Union and NATO, as both organizations have imposed sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
Internationally, Fico’s visit has also raised concern among Slovakia’s EU and NATO allies, particularly the Czech Republic. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky criticized Fico’s decision, pointing out that the Czech Republic had already secured its energy independence from Russia. Lipavsky emphasized his thoughts were with the Ukrainians suffering through the war, who would not be able to spend the holidays with their families due to Putin’s aggression.
However, Fico’s visit has been defended by members of his government and political allies. Erik Kalinak, a Member of the European Parliament for Fico’s Smer party, argued that the prime minister was simply working to secure affordable gas supplies for Slovakia. The far-right Slovak National Party and Environment Minister Tomas Taraba also backed Fico’s diplomatic move, stressing the importance of securing energy resources from Russia, especially given Slovakia and Hungary’s dependence on Russian gas.
Fico’s meeting with Putin also comes at a time of heightened tensions in Europe regarding Russia’s aggression. In a security summit held on the same day, leaders from Italy, Sweden, Greece, and Finland emphasized the continued threat posed by Russia to the European Union. Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo referred to Russia as a “permanent and dangerous threat” and called for increased defense spending and continued support for Ukraine. The summit’s leaders expressed their concerns over the instability created by Russia’s actions and the need for unity and defense preparedness in the EU.
The timing of Fico’s visit is particularly significant, as it came shortly after Slovakia’s decision to end military aid to Ukraine upon Fico’s return to power in October 2023. Despite this, Fico insists he wishes to maintain friendly relations with Kyiv and will continue to engage diplomatically with Ukraine, though his actions have left many skeptical about his commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russia.
As the situation continues to evolve, Slovakia’s balancing act between Moscow and its European allies remains a sensitive issue, with critics and supporters of Fico’s visit sharply divided over the implications for the country’s future role in European and global politics.
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