Putin Sends New Year Greetings to Hungary, Slovakia Leaders and Gerhard Schröder

The Russian president bypasses most Western leaders, highlighting ties with nations critical of EU's Ukraine policies and reliant on Russian gas.

Russian President Vladimir Putin excluded most Western leaders from his New Year greetings, making exceptions for Hungary's Viktor Orbán, Slovakia's Robert Fico, and former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder.
The Kremlin emphasized Hungary and Slovakia's opposition to 'russophobic policies,' citing their reliance on Russian gas and critiques of EU sanctions and military aid to Ukraine.
Both Orbán and Fico have visited Moscow since the start of Russia's war in Ukraine, signaling their ongoing engagement with Putin despite EU-wide condemnation of the conflict.
Tensions between Slovakia and Ukraine have escalated, with Fico threatening to halt electricity exports and his defense minister suggesting Ukraine cede territory to Russia to achieve peace.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Fico's stance, labeling him a Kremlin ally, as disputes over gas transit and territorial integrity deepen regional divisions.