Slovakia President visited Putin and on other hand finalized military deal with Israel?
Introduction
Slovakia’s recent diplomatic and military actions have indeed created a complex and seemingly contradictory situation.
Diplomatic Visit to Moscow
On December 22, 2024, Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico made a surprise visit to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This visit was significant for several reasons:
Fico became only the third Western leader to meet with Putin since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The visit focused on discussing Russian gas deliveries to Slovakia, which heavily depends on Russian energy.
Fico and Putin also discussed the possibilities of an early, peaceful end to the war in Ukraine.
Military Deal with Israel
Shortly after Fico’s visit to Moscow, on December 23, 2024, Slovakia finalized a major defense deal with Israel:
Slovakia approved the purchase of the Israeli-made Barak MX air defense system for €560 million ($583 million).
This deal represents the largest-ever defense export agreement between Israel and Slovakia.
The acquisition includes six batteries of the Barak MX surface-to-air missile system, with deliveries scheduled to begin by the end of 2025.
Implications and Context
This apparent contradiction in Slovakia’s foreign policy can be understood through several factors:
Energy Dependence
Slovakia remains highly reliant on Russian gas, which explains Fico’s visit to Moscow to discuss energy supplies.
Military Modernization
The purchase of the Barak MX system is part of Slovakia’s efforts to modernize its air defense capabilities and replace outdated Soviet-era systems.
Shifting Alliances
Fico’s government has taken a more pro-Russia stance since coming to power in October 2023, ending military aid to Ukraine and criticizing EU sanctions on Russia.
Balancing Act
The simultaneous engagement with Russia and Israel may represent Slovakia’s attempt to balance its relationships and maintain some independence in its foreign policy.
NATO Membership
Despite Fico’s pro-Russia rhetoric, Slovakia remains a NATO member, which likely influences its military procurement decisions.
Conclusion
These recent events highlight the complex geopolitical landscape in Central Europe, where countries like Slovakia must navigate relationships with Russia, Western allies, and other partners while addressing their security and energy needs.
