**Slovak Lawmakers Plan Visit to Moscow**
A group of Slovak lawmakers will visit Moscow later in January. They plan to meet with Russian government officials and discuss “dialogue” between the two countries.
The lawmakers are from the far-right Slovak National Party (SNS) and Fico’s Smer party. They include Andrej Danko, the chair of the co-ruling SNS and parliament deputy speaker. Danko has been a strong supporter of Russia in the past.
**Criticism of Ukraine and Sanctions**
The Slovak government has been critical of Ukraine and sanctions against Russia. The country‘s Prime Minister, Robert Fico, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow just weeks ago. Slovakia has also threatened to cut energy and humanitarian support to Ukraine over a disagreement about gas transit.
**Russia Ties**
Slovakia is heavily reliant on Russian gas, despite the EU’s efforts to reduce its dependence on Russian fossil fuels. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led to tensions between Western countries and Moscow.
**Previous Visits**
This is not the first time Slovak officials have visited Russia in recent months. A pro-Kremlin member of the European Parliament visited Moscow in October 2024, praising Russia and calling for an end to hatred towards the country.
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