Šimečka: A new security architecture of Europe is being born and Slovakia is out of

Fico is scheduled to fly to China on Wednesday. In Beijing, he will participate in a parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Putin is in China now, attending a two-day summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). He is also scheduled to stay for sightseeing.

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in late February 2022, Fico has repeatedly criticized the European Union's support for Ukraine and the policy of isolating Russia promoted by Brussels. Slovakia is heavily dependent on Russian gas. The meeting is likely to further exacerbate tensions between Bratislava and Brussels, writes AFP.

Fico met with Putin last December and visited Russia again in May this year. In Moscow, he participated in the celebrations of the end of World War II, despite criticism from EU representatives.