Slovakia and Hungary, which depend on Russian gas, have expressed concern at the prospect of supply disruptions.
In October 2023, when Fizo became Prime Minister again, he stopped Slovakia’s military aid to Ukraine.
But he insisted that he wants to be a “good, friendly neighbor” of Ukraine.
Fico’s meeting with Putin came as the leaders of Italy, Sweden, Greece and Finland met on Sunday for a security summit.
Speaking afterwards, Finnish Prime Minister Peteri Orpa said Russia was a “constant and dangerous threat” to the EU.
He also emphasized the need to increase spending on defense and support of Ukraine.
