Putin and Fico Discuss Ukraine, EU, and Energy Cooperation in Beijing

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the independence of Slovak diplomacy during a meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Beijing, where they discussed Ukraine, European Union membership, and energy cooperation. Putin emphasized that Moscow has never opposed Ukraine joining the EU and reiterated that any peace deal with Ukraine must not compromise Russia's security. Fico thanked Putin for the Russian gas supplies and expressed interest in cooperation with Russia in the energy sector.

Key Takeaways:

• Putin acknowledged Slovak diplomacy's independence and expressed appreciation for Fico's leadership.
• Moscow has never opposed Ukraine joining the European Union, according to Putin.
• Any peace deal with Ukraine must not jeopardize Russia's security, as stated by Putin.
• Fico thanked Putin for Russian gas supplies, which are gradually increasing to 4 billion cubic meters per year.
• The Slovak Prime Minister expressed interest in cooperation with Russia in the energy sector, including the supply of Russian oil and gas.
• Fico plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to protest against Ukrainian attacks on oil infrastructure vital to Slovakia.
• Fico suggested establishing a joint commission between Russia and Slovakia to standardize relations between the two countries.

Statistics:

• Russian gas supplies to Slovakia via the TurkStream pipeline are gradually increasing to 4 billion cubic meters per year.
• The planned meeting between Fico and Zelenskiy aims to address the issue of Ukrainian attacks on Slovak oil infrastructure.
• Russia's invasion of Ukraine began more than three and a half years ago, in February 2022, according to Putin's statement.

Sources:

• AFP
• Reuters
• CTK (Czech News Agency)