Recent political developments regarding efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war have come into focus following the visit of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to China. While in Beijing, Fico met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and is expected to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday.
During talks with Fico, Putin stated publicly that Russia does not object to Ukraine joining the EU but remains against its membership in NATO. Putin emphasized Russia's stated goal of protecting its own interests in Ukraine and expressed readiness to cooperate with US and Ukrainian officials at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
Political analyst Yevhen notes that major breakthroughs from the imminent Fico-Zelensky meeting are unlikely. He suggests the talks are intended to signal resolve to domestic audiences without taking steps that would further escalate ties with Russia. As the leader of a country dependent on energy imports, Fico maintains a conservative stance in his dialogue with Moscow.
The analysis also observes that Russia is systematically using such high-profile meetings to influence global political discourse, in particular aiming to shape US and former president Donald Trump's positions on the conflict. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant has been highlighted for its strategic importance and as a topic frequently discussed among Western policymakers and experts, positioning it as a potential diplomatic leverage point.
Fico's Beijing trip occurred alongside global commemorations of the end of World War II. Experts note Slovakia's pursuit of balanced foreign policy to ensure energy stability, and the planned Zelensky-Fico meeting remains uncertain pending final confirmation.
