Slovak PM Robert Fico’s Surprise Meeting with Putin Sparks Controversy**

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's unexpected meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin highlights Slovakia's reliance on Russian gas and its divergent approach to the Ukraine conflict compared to other EU nations.**

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico has made headlines with his recent surprise visit to Moscow, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This meeting marks a significant moment as Fico becomes only the third Western leader to engage directly with Putin since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began three years ago. Notably, Fico has been an outspoken critic of the European Union’s support for Ukraine, emphasizing Slovakia's need to navigate its energy needs amidst geopolitical tensions.

During their discussions, Fico and Putin focused on the vital matter of Russian gas supplies to Slovakia, a country heavily reliant on these resources. The timeline is critical, as a current contract with Gazprom that facilitates gas transit through Ukraine is set to expire at the end of this year. Fico's visit comes in the wake of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s statements to EU leaders, expressing Ukraine’s opposition to the transit of Russian gas through its territory, complicating the energy dynamics in the region.

Fico, who survived an assassination attempt earlier this year, shared on social media that he had a detailed discussion with Putin about the ongoing military situation in Ukraine. He reported that both leaders explored ideas for an expedited and peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict, as well as strengthening bilateral relations between Russia and Slovakia.

This move by Fico diverges sharply from the positions held by many in the EU, particularly as leaders from Italy, Sweden, Greece, and Finland convened at a security summit concurrently, where Finnish PM Petteri Orpo labeled Russia a "permanent and dangerous threat" and advocated for increased defense expenditures and support for Ukraine.

Fico, who returned to power in October 2023, has previously called off military aid to Ukraine while affirming his desire to be a “good, friendly neighbor” to the nation. However, his visit to Moscow has ignited debate over Slovakia's energy strategies and its diplomatic posture amid the broader context of European security and the ongoing conflict with Russia. As the region continues to navigate complex alliances and security threats, Fico's meeting highlights the pressing challenges facing Europe as it grapples with its energy dependencies and the ramifications of Russia's actions.