Russian President Vladimir Putin has held talks in the Kremlin with Slovakia’s prime minister, Robert Fico, in a rare visit to Moscow by an EU leader since Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday sharply criticized Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico for his visit to Russia. Zelensky accused Fico of having personal motives for the trip and of being dependent on Moscow.

The German press has sharply criticised Prime Minister Robert Fico's visit to Russia, accusing him of acting to Slovakia's detriment. The politics of Slovakia and Hungary could threaten EU unity, which is particularly significant in the context of Donald Trump's presidency.