Putin Vows Full Energy Support as Fico Visits Kremlin

(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged Saturday that Moscow would spare no effort in securing Slovakia's energy supply, as Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico arrived at the Kremlin for high-stakes talks spanning trade, wartime history, and the path toward normalized bilateral relations.

Putin acknowledged that Russia-Slovakia ties — historically defined by robust political dialogue and steady economic cooperation — had been severely strained by the war in Ukraine and what he characterized as an antagonistic posture forced upon Bratislava by the EU and NATO, both of which Slovakia belongs to.

"At the same time, your government strives to pursue a sovereign foreign policy and chart a pragmatic course toward Russia," he said, welcoming the "gradual restoration of bilateral cooperation, which was effectively frozen by the efforts of the previous Slovak authorities."

Fico, who assumed office in October 2023, received further remarks from Putin acknowledging a sharp contraction in bilateral trade over the past two years, though both leaders expressed optimism that the visit could chart a roadmap toward renewed and expanded economic engagement.

Putin also extended personal thanks to Fico for attending Victory Day commemorations in Moscow despite considerable logistical hurdles, and commended the Slovak leader's respect for what he called the "historical truth" surrounding World War II and the Soviet army's decisive role in liberating Europe from Nazism. The Soviet Union endured the war's heaviest military toll — between 8.7 and 11 million Red Army soldiers perished, within a broader death count of 20 to 27 million, including civilians.

Steps to 'Restore Standard Relations'
Fico, speaking in kind, framed the Kremlin visit as an opportunity to confront the "serious issues" dividing their nations. Drawing on Cold War imagery, he warned of a new "iron curtain" descending across Europe and declared his commitment to forging mutually beneficial ties with Moscow.

"I am convinced that both Slovakia and the Russian Federation can take several steps in the shortest possible time, aimed at restoring standard relations," Fico was quoted as saying in a Kremlin statement.

Underscoring Slovakia's considerable dependence on Russian energy imports, Fico signaled that cooperation between the two countries must extend well beyond the energy sector alone.

The meeting took place hours after Russia staged its annual military parade across Red Square to commemorate the Soviet Union's World War II victory, drawing the leaders of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, among others.

Following the bilateral summit, Kremlin presidential aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed to reporters that the conflict in Ukraine featured prominently in the discussions. Ushakov also revealed that Fico had briefed Putin on his recent encounter with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the 8th European Political Community Summit in Armenia earlier in the week, while firmly denying that Zelenskyy had transmitted any messages to Putin via the Slovak premier.

Separately, Alexey Likhachev, director general of Russia's state nuclear energy agency Rosatom, told journalists that the corporation stands prepared to engage in multiple formats for the construction of new power units at a nuclear facility on Slovak soil.

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