Slovak PM Fico holds talks with Putin during surprise Russia trip

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has held one-on-one talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a surprise visit to Moscow, according to the Kremlin.

Fico discussed "a peaceful end to the war" in Ukraine, according to a Facebook post by the Slovak leader, who has been critical of the European Union's support to Kyiv. He believes there is no military solution to the conflict that has drawn Western leaders, who see Russia as a security threat.

Fico said on Facebook after the meeting that top EU officials were informed of his trip, the third by an EU leader since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.