Slovak PM Fico’s Controversial Moscow Visit and Meeting with Putin
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico attended Russia’s Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, becoming the only EU leader to do so, and held talks with President Vladimir Putin. The visit drew sharp condemnation from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other European officials, highlighting deep divisions within the EU regarding Russia. Fico defended the trip as a diplomatic effort to maintain energy security and avoid isolation, subsequently briefing Austrian leaders and convening urgent meetings with energy operators. This event underscores significant geopolitical tensions and Slovakia’s divergent foreign policy stance amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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Slovak PM Fico: EU Must Engage in Serious Dialogue with Russia
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that the European Union has a responsibility to engage in serious dialogue with Russia to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. Speaking to reporters after visiting Moscow for Victory Day celebrations, Fico described the belief among some European politicians that the war could be resolved through military means as an illusion. He emphasized the importance of showing equal respect to both Russian and Ukrainian partners. Fico claimed that President Vladimir Putin personally informed him of an impending ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv, asserting that he was the first EU leader to receive this information. The Slovak PM indicated he would convey these insights to his EU counterparts. Additionally, Fico commented on Putin's suggestion to appoint former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder to lead negotiations on behalf of the EU. Fico supported the idea, noting that successful peace negotiations require a mediator who understands the 'Russian soul' and the country's perspective, rather than someone unfamiliar with Russia.
TASSGerman Chancellor Merz Criticizes Slovak PM Fico for Moscow Victory Day Visit
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico became the only EU leader to attend Russia's Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, drawing sharp condemnation from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other European officials. Merz expressed deep regret over the visit, stating it contradicted the EU's common view, and promised a stern discussion with Fico during Europe Day celebrations in Stockholm. The trip faced logistical hurdles, as several European nations denied airspace access to Fico's plane. In Moscow, Fico met with President Vladimir Putin, who welcomed the resumption of bilateral cooperation and pledged to meet Slovakia's energy needs. Fico defended his actions as a gesture of respect for World War II victims and an effort to avoid a new Iron Curtain, though he skipped the main military parade to lay flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The incident highlights growing tensions within the EU regarding relations with Russia, especially given Slovakia's NATO membership and dependence on Russian energy, while Putin used his speech to criticize NATO's role in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
ZeroHedge NewsSlovak PM Fico Briefs Austrian President on Moscow Talks with Putin
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has briefed Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen regarding his recent visit to Moscow and discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The briefing took place in Bratislava during the Austrian President's official visit to Slovakia. According to information shared via Prime Minister Fico’s social media channels, the leaders discussed Fico’s participation in the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9, which commemorates the victory over Nazism. The substance of Fico's conversations with President Putin was also a key topic of the exchange. Beyond the discussion on Russia, the two heads of state exchanged views on strengthening bilateral cooperation and fostering closer ties between Slovakia and Austria. This interaction highlights ongoing diplomatic engagements between Central European nations amidst complex geopolitical dynamics involving Russia and the wider European security architecture. The report originates from TASS, citing the Slovak Prime Minister's own public statements as the primary source for these diplomatic details.
TASSSlovak PM Fico Describes Meeting with Putin as Very Good
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico characterized his recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin as "very good" during a press interaction in Moscow. The discussion took place on May 9, 2026, when Fico attended the Victory Day celebrations in the Russian capital. When asked by Vesti journalist Pavel Zarubin about the outcome of the negotiations, Fico provided a brief but positive assessment of the dialogue. This high-level encounter underscores continuing diplomatic engagement between Slovakia and Russia despite broader geopolitical tensions in Europe. The visit highlights Fico's willingness to maintain direct channels with the Kremlin, particularly concerning energy cooperation and regional security issues. The meeting occurred amidst ongoing international scrutiny of European leaders' interactions with Russian officials. Additionally, related reports indicate that Fico planned urgent discussions with the energy company Transpetrol following his return, suggesting that energy supply prospects were a central theme of his visit. The event marks a significant moment in bilateral relations, reflecting Slovakia's distinct approach to foreign policy within the European Union context.
TASSFico Anticipates EU Interest in His Moscow Meeting with Putin
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico expects significant attention from European Union leaders following his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The talks occurred on the sidelines of celebrations marking the 81st anniversary of the Soviet Union’s Victory over Nazi Germany. Fico told reporters that EU counterparts would likely inquire about the discussions held during the visit. While expressing support for diversifying energy sources within the EU, Fico emphasized the importance of retaining access to Russian oil and gas, citing their cost-effectiveness compared to alternatives. Additionally, reports indicate that Fico briefed Putin on his previous discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, noting that no specific messages were conveyed by Kyiv. This diplomatic engagement highlights Slovakia's continued dialogue with Russia amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and the war in Ukraine. The visit underscores Fico's approach to maintaining bilateral relations while navigating complex dynamics with EU partners who largely oppose high-level contacts with the Kremlin. The event reflects broader debates within Europe regarding energy security, diplomatic engagement, and the path toward potential negotiations in the regional conflict.
TASSSlovak PM Fico to Hold Urgent Meeting with Transpetrol After Russia Visit
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has convened an urgent meeting with representatives of Transpetrol, the operator of the Slovak section of the Druzhba oil pipeline, following his recent diplomatic visit to Moscow. During a press briefing in Bratislava, Fico stated that he possesses important information regarding future energy cooperation with Russia that requires immediate discussion. While expressing general support for the European Union's strategy to diversify energy sources, Fico strongly advocated for retaining the option to import oil and gas from Russia. He justified this stance by highlighting that Russian energy resources are significantly cheaper than alternatives from other countries. Additionally, Fico noted that the Slovnaft oil refinery in Bratislava is historically configured to process Russian crude, making a complete switch technically and economically challenging. This development underscores Slovakia's continued reliance on Russian energy supplies despite broader EU efforts to reduce dependence on Moscow amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The meeting aims to assess the prospects for sustained energy partnerships following Fico's talks with Russian leadership.
TASSSlovak PM Fico May Deliver Zelensky's Message to Putin During Moscow Visit
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is scheduled to visit Moscow, where he may deliver a message from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to Slovak Foreign Ministry State Secretary Rastislav Chovanec, Fico will not attend the Victory Day parade but plans to lay flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and hold a meeting with Putin. The specific contents of the alleged message remain undisclosed, and Kyiv has not officially confirmed whether Zelensky requested this diplomatic intervention. However, Chovanec noted that Fico and Zelensky have communicated twice in the past week. This potential mediation occurs amidst strained Slovak-Ukrainian relations, recently exacerbated by temporary disruptions in Russian oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline. Fico, known for maintaining warmer ties with Russia than most European leaders, aims to gather insights on Putin’s perspective regarding war termination efforts. He will be accompanied by Slovak officials, while Putin’s parade attendees include leaders from Belarus, Laos, Malaysia, and various breakaway regions. The development highlights ongoing, albeit complex, diplomatic channels between the conflicting nations.
The Moscow Times - Independent News From Russia