Overview
- Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico met Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin during Victory Day events and pressed for renewed dialogue and a ceasefire.
- Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Fico did not deliver any message from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, though Ukraine was discussed and Fico relayed his recent talks with Zelensky.
- Fico told Putin he wants to restore normal Slovakia–Russia relations, and Putin said Russia stands ready to ensure Slovakia’s energy needs.
- Fico traveled to Moscow after Germany and the Czech Republic cleared his government jet to overfly their airspace, while Putin noted Baltic states refused passage.
- Fico was the only European leader in Moscow for the May 9 commemorations, called himself the EU’s “black sheep,” and arrived after Slovak officials said he might carry a message as a Zelensky adviser outlined Kyiv’s goals of ending the war and readiness for leader-level talks.