Slovakia to resume energy talks with Russia for first time since 2022
Slovakia will resume intergovernmental consultations with Russia on October 26 in Moscow, with oil and gas supplies among the main topics, Reuters reported, citing the Slovak Foreign Ministry.
The meeting will be the first session of the Russian-Slovak intergovernmental commission for economic, scientific and technical cooperation since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The talks will cover energy cooperation, including nuclear power, as well as agriculture, environmental issues, sports and culture.
"The Slovak side is also interested in discussing gas supplies and continuation of oil supplies," the ministry said.
Slovakia continues to purchase Russian oil and gas despite the EU's efforts to phase out Russian energy imports. Under an EU plan, Slovakia is expected to end Russian gas purchases by late 2027.
Prime Minister Robert Fico has repeatedly visited Moscow and criticized EU sanctions against Russia. His government halted state military assistance to Ukraine, although Slovak companies, including state-owned firms, continue commercial arms exports.
The Slovak Foreign Ministry said the country would continue to honor its EU and NATO commitments while maintaining opportunities for dialogue with Russia.
The planned meeting highlights Bratislava's increasingly divergent approach to Moscow compared with most of its European allies.
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