Slovakian PM Putin Card with Slovakia”>Robert Fico Meets Putin in Unlikely Moscow Visit
In an uncommon occurrence, Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico journeyed to Moscow, engaging in a dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This visit by a NATO member and a European Union (EU) country leader to Moscow is a rarity, given the bloc’s robust support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
Following the Sunday evening Kremlin meeting, Fico shared insights on their discussion via a Facebook post, noting that EU leaders were aware of his visit’s objective. Fico clarified that his meeting with Putin was a response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s threats against the transit of Russian gas to Slovakia.
"Today’s meeting is a reaction to President Zelensky, who, answering my question on Thursday, stated he opposes any gas transit through Ukraine to our territory," Fico stated, as reported by The Moscow Times. He further explained that Zelensky had lobbied EU supporters to impose sanctions on Russia’s nuclear energy sector, which Fico deemed detrimental to Slovakia’s financial interests and nuclear power plant operations.
Fico asserted that protecting and promoting Slovakia’s sovereignty is his paramount duty. Meanwhile, the Kremlin merely described the meeting as a "working visit," with Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov in attendance.
Fico, a vocal critic of Western aid to Ukraine, has previously halted military assistance from Slovakia to Kyiv.
