Slovakia’s Robert Fico Meets Putin Amidst Speculation of Gas Transit Talks
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico arrived in Moscow on December 22 to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to 24 Channel, citing Russian media reports. The details of their discussion remain scarce, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov offering little insight.
Peskov confirmed that Fico’s visit was planned days in advance but did not reveal the specifics of the agenda, merely stating that they would discuss international events and the transit of Russian gas. He added that the outcomes of the meeting would be known only after it concludes.
The meeting took place behind closed doors, with Russian propaganda outlets stating that the two leaders were holding a private conversation. Reports suggest that Fico has already announced plans for another visit to Moscow, scheduled for May 9, 2025.
Notably, Fico is the third EU country leader to visit Russia since the onset of the full-scale war on February 24, 2022, following Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer.
Slovakia continues to purchase Russian gas, with the transit scheduled to end in early 2025. Fico has previously threatened a "serious conflict" if the gas transit is halted, expressing dissatisfaction with the lack of solidarity in the matter.
