Ushakov called Slovak PM Fitzo a thinking and independent politician

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fitzo, who had talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, is a thinking and independent politician. Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov told reporters on December 23.

"Like [Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor] Orban, Robert Fitzo has shown himself to be an independent, thinking politician who puts the interests of his country first," he said at a briefing.

According to Ushakov, the meeting between Putin and Fitzo lasted two hours, was constructive, and the parties were satisfied with its results.

In addition to discussing energy and the situation around Ukraine, the two leaders stated the importance of restoring mutually beneficial ties between Russia and Slovakia, especially in the trade and economic sphere.

In addition, Fitzo confirmed his interest to come to Moscow on May 9, 2025 at Putin's invitation to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War, the Russian presidential aide said.

Energetic approach: why the Slovak prime minister flew to the Russian president

During the talks between Vladimir Putin and Robert Fitzo, the topic of fuel supplies via Ukraine may have been raised

Earlier in the day, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Putin and Fitzo talked about bilateral relations, which have suffered significantly due to the actions of the previous Slovak authorities. The Russian leader shared his vision of the current situation in the war zone and in terms of advancing the special military operation.

Thetalks between Putin and Fitzo took place in the Kremlin the previous day, December 22. At the time, the presidential spokesman specified that the visit of the Slovak prime minister had been planned several days in advance.

After the talks, Fitzo said that his visit to Russia was a reaction to the statement of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whose powers expired on May 20, about the termination of gas transit through Ukrainian territory. According to him, Putin said during the meeting that Russia was ready to supply gas to Slovakia directly after January 1, 2025.

On the same day, Slovak member of the European Parliament Luboš Blaga called Fico's visit to Moscow a slap in the face for the Ukrainian leader. He emphasized that the Slovak people supported Russia and did not consider this state an enemy state.