Fico proposes peace talks on Slovak soil to end war
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico proposed hosting peace negotiations to end the war between Russia and Ukraine on Slovak territory, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The announcement was made during the Eurasian Economic Council summit in Minsk on December 26, as reported by DW.
"Should negotiations take place, Slovakia would gladly provide the necessary platform," Putin stated, adding that Moscow supports this initiative. He highlighted that, from Russia’s perspective, Slovakia holds a neutral position.
Robert Fico’s visit to Moscow on December 22 included direct talks with Putin. The two officials discussed the military situation in Ukraine and the transit of Russian gas and oil to Europe, which Ukraine may halt as of 2025.
Fico explained that his visit was prompted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s remarks about the potential suspension of Russian gas transit.
In May 2024, Slovakia had also proposed hosting a summit to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict, but the initiative did not materialize.
Notably, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has gained attention in Europe for his unique stance on the war in Ukraine and relations with Russia. Unlike the majority of European Union leaders, Fico has openly criticized military aid to Ukraine, asserting that such support would only prolong the conflict.
Slovak opposition leader Michal Šimečka told local media that if Prime Minister Fico truly seeks peace between Russia and Ukraine, he should pressure Putin to end the war. "If Russia’s military stops its attacks, Fico and Putin are welcome to discuss peace on Fico’s porch if they wish," he remarked, Politico reports.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on X (formerly Twitter) after the meeting between Fico and Putin, noting that the two leaders "did not issue joint statements or respond to media questions," suggesting it was because they were "afraid of the public’s reaction."
Zelenskyy further questioned, "Why is this leader [Fico] so dependent on Moscow? What is being paid to him, and what does he pay with?"
Translation by Iurie Tataru
