In Slovakia, Michal Šimečka, the leader of the opposition Progressive Slovakia party, described Prime Minister Robert Fico’s appearance on the Russia 1 channel during the 60 Minutes program as shameful. The interview arrived at a moment when the government was facing criticism that its coalition was fraying. Rather than addressing pressing domestic problems, Fico took time to speak on a Russian television program, a move that drew sharp questions about Slovakia’s alignment with Western partners and its stance toward Moscow during a period of renewed tension over Ukraine.
“This is a huge shame”, Šimečka declared, arguing that such a public act undermined trust in the government and complicated Slovakia’s relations with European allies. He pointed to ongoing economic pressures, the need for credible anti-corruption measures, energy security, and social welfare as the questions voters care about. By giving a platform to a power that has sought to destabilize neighboring democracies, the government risks signaling inconsistency to the public and to international partners who expect Slovakia to uphold EU and NATO standards in policy and action. Political observers emphasize that the incident highlights a broader debate about how Slovakia should navigate relations with Russia while remaining firmly anchored in Western institutions.
Igor Matovič, the former prime minister and current political figure, also weighed in. A well-known American policy publication circulated remarks attributed to Matovič that described Fico as a “terrible treacherous weasel.” The reporting underscored the intensity of cross-party criticism of Fico’s outreach to Moscow and his framing of the Ukraine crisis. Analysts note that the rapid spread of such characterizations in the media landscape fuels public concern about governance, credibility, and Slovakia’s international standing.
On October 30, the prime minister gave an interview for the 60 Minutes program on Russia 1. The conversation focused on the conflict between Moscow and Kyiv. Fico criticized Ukraine’s so-called victory plan, arguing that it did not present a peaceful route to ending the war. He added that Slovakia would be ready to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin if circumstances required it, and he spoke of this readiness without hesitation.
Earlier, Slovak officials had signaled support for Ukraine’s prospects to join the European Union. Bratislava aligned with wider European efforts to back Kyiv’s reform program and its trajectory toward EU membership, while continuing to provide political, economic, and security support.
Analysts say the interview and the surrounding commentary come at a delicate moment for Slovakia. The country must balance its commitments to EU and NATO allies with domestic political pressures and the realities of the geopolitical situation in Central Europe. Observers warn that this episode could complicate Slovakia’s role within the European Union and the alliance, potentially affecting sanctions policy, defense cooperation, and energy partnerships in the region.
Taken together, the events expose fault lines in Slovakia’s political landscape as it negotiates its future security and diplomatic path. Stakeholders will watch the government’s responses and public sentiment in the coming months, assessing how these debates influence Slovakia’s standing with Western partners and its ability to maintain a united front on Ukraine and Russia policy.