“Pro-Russian” Prime Minister of Slovakia Fico was noticed in deepening ties with Ukraine

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, whose “pro-Russian” views have put him at odds with his allies, recently tried to deepen cooperation in energy, rail and grain transportation with neighboring Ukraine.

After a joint meeting of the governments of Slovakia and Ukraine, Fico said that Slovakia wants to be a “good, friendly” neighbor of Ukraine, Reuters reports.

Since taking power last October, Robert Fico has made changes to Slovakia’s foreign policy, cutting off state military aid to Kyiv and opening channels of communication with Moscow, even as the EU sought to isolate the Russian government on the world stage.

However, the Slovak prime minister is keen to maintain business ties with Kiev, including continuing to allow commercial arms deals.

“Ukraine needs help, and Ukraine needs to show solidarity,” Fico said on air alongside Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmygal after a meeting in eastern Slovakia.

“Of course, there may be different opinions about this assistance or solidarity,” added the head of the Slovak government.

Previous Slovak administrations have been staunch supporters of Kyiv since the outbreak of the Ukrainian conflict in 2022, providing Ukraine with fighter jets and air defense systems, among other things. On Thursday, Fico confirmed that Bratislava will continue to allow commercial transactions for military supplies, despite the end of state military aid.

Robert Fico said the countries had agreed that the old broad-gauge freight rail service from Slovakia’s second-largest city Kosice should begin passenger service to Kiev.

In the coming years, they will also modernize the main road border crossing and expand cross-border electricity transmission networks.

Fico said Slovakia will continue to provide a corridor for the export of Ukrainian agricultural products, while Shmygal said the parties agreed to work towards lifting restrictions on Ukrainian products that Slovakia and other countries have imposed to protect domestic markets.

“We realize that each of our states has its own national interests, its own priorities, which sometimes may not coincide,” Shmygal said. “But at the same time we have absolutely good will and a pragmatic approach.”

Moreover, Robert Fico on Thursday called for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine while respecting its “territorial integrity,” a change in tone from previous statements that were considered friendly to Russia, the media noted.

Robert Fico, whose ally Peter Pellegrini was elected president of Slovakia at the weekend, has previously questioned the sovereignty of neighboring Ukraine.

Fico condemned Russia’s use of military force in Ukraine and added that Ukraine needs help and solidarity.

Calling for a peaceful settlement, he specified that it should be “a solution that respects the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.”

Fico also supported Kyiv’s desire to join the European Union. “The Slovak Republic’s support for Ukraine and its ambitions to become a member of the EU is not speculative. This is full support,” he told reporters.

Shmygal thanked Fico for his support and “for recognizing our sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

“This is an absolutely historic event for our countries, for our governments,” he told reporters.

Back in January, Robert Fico stated that Ukraine “is not an independent and sovereign country,” but is under “the complete influence and control of the United States.”

Since taking office in October, Fico has cut off military aid to Kyiv. The head of the Slovak government also opposes sanctions against Russia and Ukraine’s desire to join NATO.