Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s surprise visit to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin has sparked significant attention in Europe, particularly amid ongoing tensions over the war in Ukraine and energy security. Fico, who became the prime minister for the second time in October 2023, is a known critic of the European Union’s stance on Ukraine, which has led to growing concerns within the EU about his shift towards Moscow. His meeting with Putin is the first by a Western leader in recent years, marking it as a notable development in the geopolitics of the region.
Fico’s trip, which took place in December 2024, comes at a crucial moment in the ongoing war in Ukraine, now in its third year. As a country heavily dependent on Russian energy supplies, Slovakia’s energy security has been a major focus for Fico, particularly regarding natural gas, which Slovakia imports from Russia through a deal with the Russian energy giant Gazprom. The current agreement for gas transit through Ukraine to Slovakia is set to expire at the end of the year, and this has put Slovakia in a precarious position as it seeks to ensure a steady supply of energy for its population and industries.
In his Facebook post, Fico explained that the purpose of his visit was to discuss the continuation of gas supplies from Russia to Slovakia, highlighting the vulnerability of his country’s energy infrastructure. His visit comes in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s pressure on EU leaders, urging them to cease allowing Russian gas to be transported through Ukraine. Zelensky’s opposition to this arrangement is grounded in the ongoing conflict with Russia, which has severely strained relations between the two countries. Slovakia, along with Hungary, has raised concerns about the potential interruption of gas supplies, which could have dire consequences for its economy and households.
During the talks with Putin, Fico reportedly had a “long conversation” with the Russian leader, discussing the military situation in Ukraine and potential avenues for a peaceful resolution. The two leaders also exchanged views on the broader relationship between Russia and Slovakia. Fico emphasized that his trip was not only a matter of energy security but also a chance to explore diplomatic solutions to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He stated that both sides agreed on the possibility of an early, peaceful end to the war, reflecting his desire to balance Slovakia’s dependence on Russian energy with the need for stability in European security.
Fico’s visit to Moscow has drawn sharp reactions from both domestic and international observers. His position as a vocal critic of the EU’s support for Ukraine has raised alarms, particularly given that Slovakia has previously been a strong supporter of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In October 2023, Fico’s government halted Slovakia’s military aid to Ukraine, a move that angered many within the EU. However, he has maintained that Slovakia seeks to be a “good, friendly neighbour” to Ukraine, and his meeting with Putin may have been an attempt to navigate the complex dynamics between Russia, Ukraine, and the European Union.
The timing of Fico’s Moscow visit coincides with a security summit held in Italy, where the leaders of Italy, Sweden, Greece, and Finland met to discuss the ongoing threat posed by Russia to the EU. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo described Russia as a “permanent and dangerous threat,” urging the EU to increase defense spending and continue supporting Ukraine. This summit further highlights the growing divide within the EU on how to handle Russia and its aggression toward Ukraine.
As the year draws to a close, Fico’s actions will likely continue to influence Slovakia’s foreign policy and its relationship with both Russia and Ukraine. His decision to engage with Putin represents a significant shift in the region’s political landscape, and how the EU responds to his actions will be crucial in shaping the future of European unity and stability. Fico’s balancing act between maintaining energy security and seeking a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine is set to be one of the defining challenges of his second term as prime minister.
