Fico discusses gas supply with Putin, drawing criticism from opposition and EU allies.
Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico has made an unexpected visit to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, becoming only the third Western leader to meet with Putin since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago.
Fico, a long-time critic of the European Union’s support for Ukraine, stated that the discussions centered on Russian gas supplies to Slovakia, a critical issue as the country’s current deal with Gazprom, transiting through Ukraine, is set to expire at the end of the year.
“Top EU officials were informed about my journey and its purpose… on Friday,” Fico wrote on Facebook.
The visit, however, has drawn sharp criticism both domestically and internationally. Opposition leaders in Slovakia, such as Michal Simecka of Progressive Slovakia, condemned the trip as a betrayal of national interests. “Fico has made our country a tool for Russian propaganda—a disgrace for Slovakia,” Simecka said.
The Czech Republic, Slovakia’s NATO ally, also expressed disapproval. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky noted his government’s energy independence from Russia and reflected on the suffering of Ukrainians enduring war under Putin.
Fico defended his visit by framing it as a response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent remarks to EU leaders opposing the transit of Russian gas through Ukrainian territory. He revealed that his talks with Putin included a “long conversation” about the war in Ukraine and the potential for peace, alongside discussions about bilateral relations.
Slovakia, like Hungary, depends heavily on Russian gas, raising concerns about potential supply disruptions. Fico’s meeting comes amid his controversial decision in October 2023 to halt Slovakia’s military aid to Ukraine, despite maintaining that he wishes to be a “good, friendly neighbor” to Kyiv.
The timing of the meeting also coincided with a security summit in Italy, where leaders from Finland, Sweden, Greece, and Italy emphasized the ongoing threat posed by Russia to the EU. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo described Russia as a “permanent and dangerous threat” and reiterated the importance of bolstering defense spending and supporting Ukraine.
Fico’s trip has deepened tensions within the EU and NATO, raising questions about Slovakia’s alignment with its Western allies as the war in Ukraine continues.
