Slovak PM Fico Makes Surprise Moscow Visit to Discuss Gas Transit with Putin

Dec 23, 2024, 12:20 AM

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico made an unannounced visit to Moscow on December 22 to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin, marking a rare visit by a European Union leader since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The meeting was a reaction to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's opposition to gas transit through Ukraine to Slovakia, which Fico said threatens Slovakia's energy security. Putin confirmed Russia's readiness to continue supplying gas to Europe and Slovakia. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, energy issues, the situation in Ukraine, and the progress of Russia's 'special military operation'.