SLOVAKIA-RUSSIA TALKS: Fico Reopens Moscow Channel as Oil, Gas and Nuclear Fuel Top Agenda

Viktor Orban is gone and Vladimir Putin may be looking to Slovakia's Robert Fico to preserve Russia's influence inside the European Union. According to a Russian government note obtained by Politico, Moscow and Bratislava are preparing to revive a cooperation forum dormant since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Fico says the meeting is scheduled for November 25th in Moscow. Slovakia's foreign minister, Juraj Blanar, defended the approach, saying, We pursue a policy in all directions and maintain dialogue with all countries that are interested in pragmatic cooperation with us for the benefit of the Slovak Republic's national interests. As Brussels pushes to phase out Russian gas, Slovakia is preparing to discuss continued supplies with Moscow. According to the Russian note, Blanar raised Slovakia's opposition to the EU's planned gas phase-out during an August 20 call. Slovak representatives also stressed the importance of continued Russian oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline and regular nuclear fuel shipments for Slovak power plants. FICO has argued that ending Russian energy imports would increase costs, while Putin pledged during their May meeting to meet Slovakia's energy needs. The proposed talks could extend into agriculture, tourism, environmental protection, and cultural cooperation. Russian athletes are also on the agenda. According to the Russian note, Blinar opposed what it described as discrimination against Russian athletes. at international competitions. The timing is significant. The International Olympic Committee lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee in July, while World Archery eased restrictions on Russian athletes and officials in August. Is Moscow using renewed cooperation to push back against its international isolation? Orban's defeat has cost the Kremlin one of its closest partners in Europe. Now, FICO's renewed engagement with Moscow raises fresh questions about EU unity over Russia's war in Ukraine. As European leaders prepare to discuss energy prices and support for Kyiv, Ukraine says its drone strikes have disabled 51% of Russia's oil refining capacity. With energy supplies under pressure and diplomatic channels reopening, Putin is seeking new openings abroad. And Slovakia is emerging as a key test of how united Europe remains.