Summary

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, marking a rare visit by an EU leader since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Talks focused on gas transit, Ukraine, and bilateral relations, with Fico opposing Ukraine’s refusal to renew a key gas deal and sanctions on Russia’s nuclear program.

Fico, known for his pro-Russia stance, has ended Slovak military aid to Ukraine and criticized EU sanctions.

The visit, condemned by Slovak opposition parties, underscores Fico’s divergence from mainstream EU policies on Russia and Ukraine.