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Slovak PM’s surprise Moscow visit raises eyebrows

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico made an unannounced visit to Moscow for talks with President Vladimir Putin, becoming one of the few Western leaders to meet the Russian leader since the invasion of Ukraine.

Fico, a critic of the EU’s support for Ukraine, discussed vital gas supplies, as Slovakia relies heavily on Russian energy. The current transit deal with Gazprom through Ukraine is set to expire soon, and Ukraine has indicated it will not renew.

Fico has previously stated that Putin has been “wrongly demonised” by the West, a stance that diverges from EU policy, which has included multiple sanctions against Russia. His visit has drawn criticism both domestically and from neighboring allies, particularly from the Czech Republic. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky expressed concern for Ukrainians suffering due to the ongoing conflict.

Fico defended his trip, claiming it aimed to secure affordable gas imports for Slovakia. However, opposition voices in Slovakia branded it a “disgrace” and a betrayal of national interests. Fico, who resumed office in October after halting military aid to Ukraine, insisted he seeks to maintain friendly relations with Kyiv.

His meeting with Putin coincided with a security summit in Finland, where leaders underscored the ongoing threat posed by Russia and the need for increased defense spending and support for Ukraine.

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