Zelenskiy: Plans to meet EU's Costa and Slovak PM in Ukraine on Friday.

Zelenskiy: Plans to meet EU's Costa and Slovak PM in Ukraine on Friday.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has announced a series of high-profile diplomatic meetings this week, including engagements with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The meetings come amid significant shifts in Slovak foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine and Russia.

Fico's first stop will be Beijing, where he will attend events marking the anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. During his visit, he is scheduled to meet with Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Following his return from Beijing, Fico will host Zelenskyy in eastern Slovakia on Friday [1].

This meeting marks the first bilateral encounter between Fico and Zelenskyy since Fico returned to office in 2023. Their relations have been strained due to Fico's visits to Moscow and his engagement with Putin. Notably, Fico and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić were Putin's only European guests at the 9th May Victory Day celebrations in Moscow [1].

Fico's diplomatic efforts reflect a broader shift in Slovak foreign policy. Since taking office, Fico has reversed Slovakia's previous pro-Ukraine stance, ending military aid to Kyiv and questioning the value of EU sanctions on Russia. His comments about the creation of a "new multipolar world" echo language frequently used by the Kremlin to justify its foreign policy, including its full-scale invasion of Ukraine [2].

The meetings with Xi Jinping and Putin are part of a broader effort by Fico to strengthen Slovakia's ties with China and Russia. His comments about the EU's failure to acknowledge the emerging global order suggest a desire to position Slovakia as a key player in this new multipolar world [2].

Fico's meeting with Zelenskyy is expected to address ongoing issues between Slovakia and Ukraine, including the recent deterioration of relations. The exact details of their discussions remain unclear, but the meeting is likely to focus on restoring diplomatic ties and addressing mutual concerns.

The upcoming meetings highlight Fico's strategic approach to foreign policy, focusing on building alliances with key global powers. However, his shift in policy towards Ukraine and Russia has raised concerns among some EU members, who worry about the potential impact on regional stability.

References:
[1] https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/09/1/7528836/
[2] https://kyivindependent.com/slovak-pm-fico-plans-meetings-with-putin-zelensky-this-week/