Slovak prime minister Robert Fico appears to have become Russia’s most prominent ally in the European Union, following the demise of Hungary's pro-Kremlin leader.

With Viktor Orbán gone, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is emerging as Vladimir Putin’s most prominent ally in the EU.

Slovakia is quietly restoring military and diplomatic contacts with Russia and preparing to resume bilateral government meetings suspended after Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to Slovak media reports and an investigation by Politico. Two Slovak military personnel are already working in Moscow, while Russia has accredited an experienced officer to serve in Bratislava, although he has not yet arrived, Slovak media reported.

Slovakia is restoring military-diplomatic relations with Russia for the first time since 2022. The government has defended the move but critics warn of espionage risks and further damage to trust within NATO.