Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico made a surprise visit to Moscow, holding one-on-one talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine and critical natural gas transit issues. According to the Kremlin, Fico emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, reiterating his stance against military solutions while criticizing the European Union’s unwavering support for Kyiv.

The trip, Fico stated, was prompted by discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who had voiced opposition to continuing gas transit through Ukraine to Slovakia after January 2025. Fico warned that halting this transit would significantly harm Slovakia’s energy interests, especially as the current gas supply agreement between Ukraine and Russia is set to expire at the end of the year.

Putin reportedly assured Fico of Russia’s willingness to continue supplying natural gas to Europe and Slovakia. However, the feasibility of this remains uncertain due to Kyiv’s stance. Slovakia has been diversifying its energy sources, recently signing a short-term deal with Azerbaijan and securing liquefied natural gas imports from the United States via Poland to prepare for potential disruptions.

The visit marks a significant shift in Slovakia’s foreign policy under Fico, who came to power in 2023. His administration stopped military aid to Ukraine and has been critical of Western sanctions on Russia. Fico expressed intentions to “normalize” Slovak-Russian relations, further distancing Slovakia from the broader EU approach toward Moscow.

Fico’s visit follows similar but controversial trips to Moscow by Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. These meetings have drawn criticism from EU allies, who view them as undermining the bloc’s united front against Russia. Slovak opposition leaders condemned Fico’s meeting with Putin, calling it a “disgrace” and a betrayal of European solidarity.