PM Robert Fico: Slovakia Ready to Normalize Relations with Russia and Boost Gas Imports

Light House Denver – Slovakia PM Robert Fico reaffirmed his intention to normalize relations with Russia and increase gas imports through the TurkStream pipeline. He conveyed this directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting on the sidelines of World War II commemorations in Beijing.

Robert Fico stressed that Slovakia is strongly interested in restoring normal and mutually beneficial economic ties. “Let’s return to the kind of economic cooperation that used to characterize relations between nations,” he said.

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A Different Stance from the European Union

This statement contrasts with the policy of the European Union (EU), which is working to end its dependence on Russian energy as part of sanctions over the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The EU has set a target to completely phase out Russian energy imports by 2027.

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Slovakia and Hungary, however, have opposed this approach, arguing that switching to alternative energy sources would drive up costs and strain their economies.

The Vital Role of TurkStream

Fico thanked Russia for the stable gas supplies delivered through TurkStream, the only remaining active pipeline transporting Russian gas to Europe after the Nord Stream 1 was shut down in 2022 and transit via Ukraine was halted in early 2025.

So far this year, Slovakia has imported about 1.7 billion cubic meters of gas via Hungary, which serves as its closest connection to TurkStream. A project is currently underway to expand the cross-border gas flow capacity from Hungary to Slovakia. The upgrade will raise capacity from 3.5 billion to 4.4 billion cubic meters per year.

Broader Bilateral Relations

Beyond energy, Fico announced that Slovakia has resumed issuing visas to Russian citizens. The government had suspended this service following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

He further expressed Slovakia’s interest in involving Russian companies in the construction of a new nuclear power plant. However, the project is still primarily designated for the U.S.-based company Westinghouse.

Diplomatic Agenda with Ukraine

While strengthening ties with Russia, Fico continues to maintain communication channels with Ukraine. He is scheduled to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in the western Ukrainian city of Uzhhorod. The meeting was originally planned to take place in eastern Slovakia but was relocated for technical reasons.

During the talks, Fico plans to raise the issue of recent Ukrainian attacks. These strikes temporarily halted Russian oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline to Slovakia and Hungary.

Slovakia highlights its unique position in the European Union through these moves. The country maintains close relations with Russia while also keeping diplomatic dialogue open with Ukraine.