Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) shakes hands with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (L) before their talks in the Kremlin, Moscow, 22 December 2024. Photo: Artem Geodakian / AFP
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has arrived in Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The visit, which was not announced in advance, was reported by Russian state media, which released a video of the meeting between the two leaders in the Kremlin, Reuters reported .
According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the talks were scheduled only a few days ago. Details of the agenda have not been disclosed, but it is expected that one of the key issues will be the transit of Russian gas to Europe.
Fico’s visit comes amid concerns in Slovakia and Hungary that Russian gas supplies through Ukrainian territory will be cut off after the current contract expires at the end of the year. Ukraine has previously stated that it has no plans to extend the agreement.
Robert Fico, who returned to power last autumn, is known for his opposition to military aid to Ukraine and his support for negotiations with Russia. His approach resembles the policy of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, which may cause mixed reactions among EU and NATO partners.
This meeting could send an important signal to Europe, which is looking for ways to reduce its energy dependence on Moscow and resolve the conflict in Ukraine.
