Slovak PM Robert Fico's Surprise Moscow Visit Sparks Controversy

Fico's unexpected Moscow visit has reignited debate over Slovakia's approach to the Ukraine conflict and its energy dependence on Russia.

In a surprising diplomatic maneuver, Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico traveled to Moscow for discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking only the third meeting of a Western leader with Putin since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began three years ago. The unexpected visit has raised eyebrows across Europe, particularly given Fico's history of criticizing the EU's military assistance to Ukraine.

During this encounter, Fico and Putin conferred about the ongoing energy relationship between Slovakia and Russia. Slovakia relies heavily on Russian gas, and the current contract with Gazprom for gas transit through Ukraine is set to expire at the end of this year. Fico expressed concern that Ukraine might not renew the transit agreement, complicating Slovakia's energy security. Despite the EU's coordinated sanctions against Russia following the invasion, Fico stated that Putin had been "wrongly demonised" in Western narratives.

This visit deviates from the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy, which discourages such engagements given the current geopolitical climate. Only Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer have similarly defied EU consensus to visit Moscow since the onset of the invasion.

In a social media post, Fico conveyed that top EU officials were informed of his trip and its intentions prior to departure. He indicated that Putin is open to continuing gas supplies to Slovakia, yet acknowledged the practical challenges posed by Ukraine's refusal to renew the transit deal.

Fico, who narrowly survived an assassination attempt earlier this year, also purportedly discussed pathways toward achieving a peaceful resolution to the ongoing war and bilateral relations between Moscow and Bratislava. Russian officials remarked on the necessity of continuous gas supplies for the operation of several European nations' economies.

Criticism of Fico's visit has been vocal both domestically and from neighboring allies. In the Czech Republic, Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky highlighted the nation's energy independence from Russia and lamented the plight of Ukrainians separated from their families due to the conflict. Slovak opposition leader Michal Simecka chastised Fico for allegedly turning Slovakia into a pawn in Russian propaganda, labeling the trip a "disgrace for Slovakia."

On the other hand, Fico's remarks were defended by members of his own Smer party and other governmental figures who argue that the visit was crucial for securing affordable gas supplies for Slovakia amidst escalating energy prices.

Since becoming Prime Minister in October 2023, Fico ceased Slovakia's military support to Ukraine while attempting to navigate a balance between being a stable neighbor to Kyiv and preserving critical energy ties with Moscow. Meanwhile, a security summit involving leaders from Italy, Sweden, Greece, and Finland echoed the concerns regarding Russia's ongoing threat, with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo underscoring the need for increased defense spending and solidifying support for Ukraine.