“We are neighbors and we have to maintain good relations,” Fico said, although until recently he criticized Kiev over problems with the Druzhba oil pipeline.
Zelensky also emphasized that Ukraine is interested in closer ties with Slovakia.
Support for the EU, but no military aid
Fico reiterated his support for Ukraine’s bid for EU membership and said that peace talks with Russia cannot take place without Kiev’s participation.
At the same time, he maintains his firm position against providing military aid to Ukraine.
Change after Orban
Analysts attributed the change to the weakening of Orbán’s position, who was a key ally of Fico on the subject of the war.
After the restoration of supplies through the Druzhba pipeline, Slovakia and Hungary lifted their blockade on a new package of EU sanctions against Russia.
A pragmatic strategy
According to experts, Fico is trying to improve his relations with the EU and distance himself from the image of a pro-Russian leader.
However, he continues to balance between different positions and defend Slovakia’s national interests.
Internal tension
The new course is facing criticism inside the country. Some of Fico’s coalition partners are against rapprochement with Ukraine.
The prime minister himself admitted that he and Zelensky have “radically different positions”, but emphasized that good relations between neighboring countries are necessary.
