In a surprising turn of events, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has reportedly offered to mediate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking at a press conference following the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Leningrad, Putin acknowledged Fico’s proposal as “an acceptable alternative,” emphasizing Slovakia’s perceived neutrality.
The Proposal That Raised Eyebrows
During a recent unannounced visit to Moscow, Fico told Putin that Slovakia was prepared to broker peace negotiations to end the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. While no official statements were made at the time of their meeting, Fico later hinted on social media that discussions touched on “the possibilities of bringing the war to a peaceful end.”
Putin appeared open to the idea, telling reporters, “If it comes to that, why not? Because Slovakia holds a neutral position from our point of view. For us, it’s an acceptable alternative.”
However, the proposition has sparked intense debate across Europe and beyond, with critics questioning Slovakia’s true neutrality and Fico’s motivations.
Fico’s Alignment with Moscow
Fico has positioned himself as a staunch advocate for Moscow within the European Union, joining Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in opposing Ukraine’s integration into NATO. He has vowed to halt any further Slovak military aid to Kyiv and has consistently criticized Western support for Ukraine.
Fico’s Dec. 22 visit to Moscow, during which he met Putin, was initially framed as an attempt to resolve energy concerns tied to the expiration of a Russian gas delivery contract at the end of 2024. However, the revelation of his peace-talk offer has shifted the focus to his growing ties with the Kremlin.
Adding to the controversy, Fico has pledged to attend Russia’s 80th-anniversary celebrations of the end of World War II in May 2025, a move seen as breaking Russia’s international isolation.
Reactions from Kyiv and Slovak Opposition
The peace-talk proposal has not been warmly received in Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Fico of being overly dependent on Moscow, questioning the motivations behind his actions. “Why is this leader [Fico] so dependent on Moscow?” Zelenskyy wrote on X. “What is being paid to him, and what does he pay with?”
Slovak opposition leader Michal Šimečka was equally critical, asserting that any meaningful peace would require Russia to end its aggression. “If Russia’s military ceases its attacks, they [Fico and Putin] are welcome to talk peace on Fico’s porch if they like,” Šimečka quipped.
What’s at Stake?
Fico’s controversial stance on Russia and Ukraine has not only isolated him from many EU leaders but also raised concerns about Slovakia’s role within the European Union. His push for peace talks, while potentially groundbreaking, is seen by many as a thinly veiled attempt to curry favor with Moscow at a time when international pressure on Russia is mounting.
With skepticism surrounding Slovakia’s neutrality, the proposal may face significant hurdles in gaining traction among Ukraine’s allies. Zelenskyy’s pointed criticism and the lack of a joint statement from Fico and Putin after their meeting underscore the challenges of advancing such talks.