Fico Refutes Claims of Non-Transparency in Meeting with Putin, Informs EU Leaders

Bratislava – Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) has dismissed accusations that his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in December lacked transparency. The meeting primarily focused on gas supply discussions, which Fico disclosed during an extraordinary session of the National Council SR Committee for European Affairs held on Friday. This session was initiated by the opposition, who claim that Fico had also updated EU leaders about his encounter, according to TASR.

Additionally, Fico stated that peace initiatives were a significant point of discussion during the meeting.

“I asked the president about the possibility of a ceasefire, at least during the holiday period,” Fico remarked. He also mentioned discussions with Putin regarding the potential organization of a peace summit in Slovakia.

The Prime Minister refuted the notion that his visit to Moscow was shrouded in secrecy. “It was transparent, open, and everyone who needed to be informed was aware,” he asserted. He claimed to have informed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and contacted European Council President Antonio Costa regarding the meeting, emphasizing that Slovakia’s foreign policy direction remains unchanged.

Fico’s visit to Moscow took place in December, shortly after an EU summit, where he met with President Putin. This visit has attracted criticism from Slovak opposition parties.

Opposition groups have also targeted Andrej Danko, Vice Chairman of the National Council SR and leader of the Slovak National Party (SNS), who announced on January 8 his intention to travel to Moscow as well. Danko aims to follow up on Fico’s December meeting with Putin.

“It is important to gather information at the parliamentary level. I want to bring back substantial data on economic matters,” Danko stated. He added that deputies from the Smer-SD and SNS parties who will accompany him plan to meet with Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry, stating they intend to cover the trip’s expenses personally.

Danko received an official invitation to visit Russia from Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the Russian State Duma, who is currently on the EU sanctions list. (January 10)

“I asked the president for a ceasefire, whether it is possible to talk about it at least during the holidays.” Robert Fico on the meeting with Vladimir Putin