- WIADOMOŚCI
Fico-Zelenskyy meeting
During the 8th summit of the European Political Community in Yerevan, a behind-the-scenes meeting took place between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. Should we expect a shift in the current policy of the Slovak administration?
“Ukraine is open to a constructive dialogue with Slovakia and is interested in developing strong relations,” Zelenskyy wrote on social media. The discussion covered cooperation in various fields as well as preparations for a joint government meeting between the two countries in the near future. Reciprocal visits to Kyiv and Bratislava were also considered. The Slovak Prime Minister reportedly expressed support for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk commented on the change in Robert Fico’s policy. “As we know, Prime Minister Fico’s relations with Moscow are better than the European average, but it is quite clear that there is a certain (…) pragmatic adjustment in his course.” The two prime ministers were said to have discussed the possible participation of President Zelenskyy as a special guest at the upcoming V4 summit. Following the change of government in Hungary, the parties have decided to rebuild the Visegrád Group format, which brings together Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia.
The shift in Robert Fico’s policy is driven by Viktor Orbán’s loss of power. With Peter Magyar’s rise to leadership, the Slovak Prime Minister has lost an anti-European and anti-Ukrainian ally. It is indeed true that a pragmatic change can be observed in Robert Fico’s behavior. An overall improvement in Ukrainian-Slovak relations and the resumption of Visegrád Group meetings can be expected.
