On October 3, 2024, during a press conference ahead of consultations with the Ukrainian government, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico expressed the need for the European Union (EU) and Russia to restore their economic ties. Fico emphasized that both entities require each other, stating, 'The European Union needs the Russian Federation, and the Russian Federation, of course, needs the European Union.'
Fico's remarks come as he prepares for discussions with Ukrainian officials on October 7, where he aims to highlight Ukraine's role as a transit country for raw materials. He reiterated that any war, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, ultimately ends through negotiations, advocating for friendly relations with Ukraine.
Having assumed office for the third time in October 2023 after his party's electoral victory, Fico has previously held pro-Russian views and has been critical of Western policies regarding the Ukraine conflict. His administration's approach raises significant questions about the future dynamics of EU-Russia relations, especially if the war in Ukraine concludes within the current government's term, which lasts until 2027.