Slovak delegation looks to thaw relations with Moscow
Slovakia's Prime Minister met with Vladimir Putin before the Christmas holidays. Now, a six-member delegation from Slovakia is set to follow suit. Andrej Danko, the Slovak National Party (SNS) leader, stated that the visit aims to restore normal relations with Russia.
Slovakia's Prime Minister, Robert Fico, was criticized after his controversial visit to Moscow, where he met with Vladimir Putin. Since then, numerous protests have swept through Slovakia.
Fico has not appeared publicly since he visited Moscow on 22 December 2024, but he has posted two videos online commenting on Ukraine's suspension of the transit of Russian gas.
Does Slovakia want to improve relations with Russia?
A delegation of Slovak politicians is set to depart for Moscow in January. It will include members of parliament from two (out of three) coalition parties: Direction (SMER), chaired by Prime Minister Robert Fico, and SNS, led by Danko. The Slovaks will talk with representatives of the leadership of the Russian State Duma and the government.
Andrej Danko emphasized that key discussions will be held with the Minister of Industry on the supply of nuclear fuel.
Danko noted that the visit aims to gather information to help Slovaks better understand the functioning of the Russian Federation, especially in the context of economic cooperation with the West. According to him, information about the lack of cooperation between Western companies and Russia is untrue.
Peace talks in Bratislava?
The journey to Moscow is viewed as a continuation of the dialogue initiated by Prime Minister Robert Fico, who met with Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on 22 December 2024. Danko, known for his pro-Russian views, believes dialogue with Russia is crucial for Slovakia.
Danko also addressed the possibility of organizing a Russian-Ukrainian peace summit in Bratislava. He called on former President Zuzana Čaputová and opposition leaders to support this idea and urge the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, to participate.
Vladimir Putin stated that Robert Fico indicated Slovakia as a host for potential peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Putin does not rule out such a solution.
