Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced that he will visit China to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and then hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Slovakia, reported “Kiev Independent“, quoted by NOVA.
Fico's latest statement marks a change in his tone, as he had previously dismissed the possibility of a meeting with Zelensky, claiming there was no reason for one and accusing the Ukrainian leader of “hating him“.
Fico will visit China on September 3 to participate in events marking the anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. A meeting with Putin is scheduled there. Two days later, the Slovak PM will host Zelensky in Bratislava.
In a speech on Constitution Day, Fico expressed "regret" that he would be the only EU leader attending the military parade in China, which marks the end of World War II in Asia. He added that the Slovak government had informed EU High Representative Kaia Kalas of the planned visit.
During his visit to China, Fico is also expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"The world is witnessing the creation of a new multipolar world," Fico said - a phrase often used in Russian official rhetoric. He accused the EU of not recognizing this new global order. His comments echo the narrative that the Kremlin has often used to justify its foreign policy, including its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Since taking office in 2023, Fico changed Slovakia's course, ending military aid to Kiev and questioning the effectiveness of EU sanctions against Russia.