Slovak PM Fico to Hold Key Talks with Global Leaders

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is set for a whirlwind week of diplomacy, starting with meetings in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, followed by a sit-down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in eastern Slovakia on Friday, he shared on Monday.

Fico is the only EU leader heading to China’s World War II anniversary events, where he’ll have one-on-one talks with Xi and Putin. This puts Slovakia in a unique spot, as Fico rubs shoulders with leaders from nations like North Korea, Iran, and Myanmar.

He believes these conversations are crucial for keeping the world stable. “Being part of such discussions means supporting dialogue and not playing the offended child,” Fico said, throwing shade at other EU countries skipping the event.

• Slovak PM Robert Fico to meet Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Volodymyr Zelenskiy in high-stakes talks
• Fico attends China’s WWII anniversary, the only EU leader joining Xi and Putin at the event
• Slovak PM balances EU ties with Russia-Ukraine energy disputes in week of key diplomacy

While Fico didn’t spill details on what he’ll discuss in Beijing, his earlier meeting with Putin in Moscow last December hints at energy and regional issues being front and center. Slovakia relies heavily on Russian gas, and with Ukraine halting a major gas transit deal in January 2025, Fico’s been scrambling to secure new supply routes.

Back in Slovakia, his meeting with Zelenskiy comes amid some bad blood. Fico’s criticized Western sanctions on Russia and accused Zelenskiy of blocking gas transit fixes. Their Friday talk in eastern Slovakia will likely tackle these disputes, especially with recent Ukrainian disruptions to Russian oil flowing through the Druzhba pipeline.

Also Read: Xi and Putin Share Bold Vision for a New World Order at SCO Summit

Fico’s moves have stirred up criticism from EU allies and Slovakia’s opposition, who think he’s getting too close to Russia. But Fico’s not backing down, insisting that open dialogue is the way to peace and a stronger economy. With global tensions simmering, Fico’s week of meetings could steer Slovakia’s role in the tricky dance between the EU, Russia, and Ukraine.