**Slovakia Could Host Peace Talks Between Ukraine and Russia, Putin Says**
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Slovakia could host peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. This comes after Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico met with Putin to discuss gas supplies.
Putin made the comments during a press conference following a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council. He said that Slovak officials would be happy to provide their country as a platform for negotiations, as they take a neutral position.
**Slovakia’s Pro-Russian Stance Criticized**
The visit by Fico was heavily criticized by EU and Ukrainian officials. President Volodymyr Zelensky called Fico’s pro-Russian energy policy a “big security issue” for Slovakia and Europe.
Zelensky questioned why Fico is dependent on Moscow, saying what he gets paid to do and what he pays with. Under Fico’s leadership, Slovakia has taken a sharp turn in its foreign policy, halting military supplies to Ukraine and adopting more Russian-friendly rhetoric.
**Trump Pledges to Negotiate Quick Peace Deal**
This news comes ahead of the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to get the US “out” of Russia’s war and negotiate a quick peace deal. Trump suggested on Dec. 22 that Putin wants to hold a meeting with him “as soon as possible”.
Trump has nominated retired general Keith Kellogg as his special Ukrainian peace envoy, tasked with leading negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.