Russian President Vladimir Putin mentioned that Slovakia has offered to act as a potential location for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, marking almost three years since Russia’s offensive began. Putin stated that Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico expressed willingness to host negotiations. Fico, known for maintaining relations with the Kremlin, met with Putin in Moscow on December 22, despite efforts from the West to isolate Putin and show support for Kyiv.
Slovakia, a member of the EU and NATO, stopped military aid to Ukraine under Fico’s leadership in autumn 2023, advocating for peace talks. Fico accused Kyiv of endangering his country’s Russian gas supply, which Slovakia relies on. With the re-election of Donald Trump, the possibility of peace talks to end the conflict in Ukraine that started in February 2022 has increased. Trump has promised to seek a swift agreement to stop the fighting upon assuming office in January, causing concerns in Kyiv and Europe about potential concessions to Moscow.
Putin has asserted that Russia will achieve its objectives in Ukraine and has issued warnings about using advanced weaponry, such as the Oreshnik missile, which was recently employed, escalating tensions. He has also threatened to target “decision-making centers” in Kyiv.