Putin Engages in Talks with Slovakian PM Fico During Rare Visit to Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in discussions with Slovakia's Prime Minister, Robert Fico, at the Kremlin on Sunday. This meeting marked a rare visit by a European Union leader to Moscow since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Fico's visit was a "working visit" and involved a one-on-one meeting with Putin.

Fico's stance on Russia's conflict with Ukraine contrasts sharply with most European leaders. After his leftist party, Smer Direction, won parliamentary elections last year, he returned to power on a pro-Russia and anti-American platform. Since then, he has halted Slovakia's military aid to Ukraine and criticised EU sanctions on Russia.

Focus on International Relations

The discussions between Putin and Fico primarily revolved around "the international situation" and the delivery of Russian natural gas. Peskov highlighted these topics as central to their talks. Visits and phone calls from European leaders to Putin have been infrequent since the onset of the Ukraine conflict.

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban visited Russia in July, which drew criticism from Kyiv and other European leaders. Fico has also been one of the few senior EU politicians to appear on Russian state television following the invasion of Ukraine.

Fico's Views on Sanctions and NATO

In an interview with the Rossiya-1 channel in October, Fico argued that Western support for Ukraine had "prolonged the war." He also claimed that sanctions against Russia were ineffective and expressed his willingness to negotiate with Putin. Additionally, he pledged to block Ukraine from joining NATO.

Fico announced his intention to attend a military parade in Moscow next May, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany's defeat in World War II. The Kremlin uses these annual "Victory Day" celebrations to showcase its military strength.

Putin's Perspective on Troops

This year's Victory Day event saw Putin praising Russian troops fighting in Ukraine as "heroes." The celebrations serve as an opportunity for Russia to highlight its battlefield achievements. Fico's planned attendance at next year's parade underscores his alignment with Moscow.

The meeting between Putin and Fico underscores the complex dynamics within Europe regarding Russia's actions in Ukraine. While many EU leaders distance themselves from Moscow, Fico's approach signals a different stance within the bloc.