Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s unannounced pre-Christmas meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin sparked widespread attention as it was primarily seen as a bid to secure an alternative solution for Russian gas deliveries to Slovakia. The meeting came amid Kyiv’s refusal to extend gas supplies to Bratislava after the expiration of their existing contract at the end of 2024, as originally reported.
While no initial mention of peace mediation efforts was made, Fico later blank”>revealed in a social media post that he and Putin discussed the military conflict in Ukraine and explored potential pathways to a peaceful resolution. “During a long conversation with V. Putin, we did exchange opinions on the military situation in Ukraine [and] on the possibilities of bringing the war to a peaceful end,” Fico wrote.
The meeting drew criticism from Slovak opposition leader Michal Šimečka, who told local media that Fico should focus on convincing Putin to halt the war if he genuinely seeks peace. “If Russia’s military ceases its attacks, they [Fico and Putin] are welcome to talk peace on Fico’s porch if they like,” Šimečka remarked.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also weighed in on the meeting, raising questions about its lack of transparency. Posting on X following the talks, Zelenskyy noted that Fico and Putin “did not issue joint statements or respond to media questions,” which he attributed to their supposed fear of public scrutiny. “Why is this leader [Fico] so dependent on Moscow?” Zelenskyy asked. “What is being paid to him, and what does he pay with?”













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