Slovakia offers to help Hungary organize Trump–Putin meeting, says Fico

"I have plenty of rational reasons, and I understand why such a meeting will take place and why specifically in Budapest," Fico said. He added that if the meeting results in peace in Ukraine, it would be one of the most significant news events of the century.

The Prime Minister emphasized that his country supports Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. He said the main priority now is to end the war and prevent further escalation of the conflict, as well as to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in line with the principles of the UN Charter.

"The very fact that we are together today is an important signal. We are neighbors, and neighbors must live in good relations and help each other, especially when one of them needs help," he said before a joint meeting of the Slovak and Ukrainian governments in Košice.

Fico also reaffirmed his support for Ukraine's membership in the European Union.

"If you are convinced that your future lies in the European Union, we believe your membership will bring mutual economic benefits, strengthen regional stability, and give new momentum to our bilateral relations," he said, noting that Slovakia's stance on Ukraine's NATO membership is different.

Trump–Putin meeting

On October 16, US President Donald Trump held a phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, a day before his planned meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Following the call, Trump announced that he would meet Putin again, this time in Budapest. The exact date has not yet been confirmed.

Against this backdrop, Zelenskyy noted that Putin sought dialogue with Trump as soon as he heard about the potential transfer of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine.