In a statement on December 26, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that Russia is open to the suggestion made by Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. The proposal comes amid heightened tensions surrounding the expiration of a critical gas delivery contract between Ukraine and Slovakia at the end of 2024.
Fico, who visited Moscow in an unannounced trip on December 22, discussed the possibility of Slovakia acting as a neutral venue for negotiations to end the ongoing conflict that began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Putin indicated that Fico had expressed willingness to provide Slovakia as a platform for dialogue, emphasizing the country’s neutral stance in the war.
“We are not opposed, if it comes to that,” Putin remarked in a televised address. “Why not? Since Slovakia takes such a neutral position.” Despite these comments, Ukraine’s government did not immediately respond to the proposal.
The context of the proposal is rooted in a broader energy dispute. Fico, who has been critical of Ukraine’s stance on gas deliveries, had previously attempted to persuade Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the European Union summit to reconsider extending the gas contract that facilitates Russian gas shipments through Ukrainian pipelines to Slovakia. Fico’s meeting with Putin was described as a response to what he viewed as Ukraine’s refusal to address Slovakia’s energy concerns, which he called “unacceptable.”
Fico’s visit to Moscow has sparked controversy within Slovakia, with protests erupting in Bratislava the day after his return. Critics, including Slovakia’s opposition leaders, have voiced concerns about the implications of such a meeting with Putin, accusing Fico of prioritizing economic interests over national or regional security. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy also criticized Fico, suggesting that his actions were motivated by financial gain rather than a genuine desire for peace.
The diplomatic tensions over the gas dispute further complicate Slovakia’s relationship with Ukraine, particularly as Russia continues to face international sanctions and its energy exports to Europe decrease drastically. Russian gas deliveries have been reduced to less than 10% of pre-war levels, and the European Union has taken steps to reduce its reliance on Russian energy sources.
Putin, however, has made it clear that Russia is not ready to negotiate on its terms. While he expressed openness to talks, he also reaffirmed Russia’s military objectives in Ukraine, stating that Moscow would continue its military actions, including aerial bombardments and ground assaults in contested regions like Donetsk. He also reiterated Russia’s stance on using its intermediate-range hypersonic missile, Oreshnik, if necessary, but emphasized that such a move was not an immediate priority.
