(MENAFN) Slovak President Peter Pellegrini has urged the European Union to resume direct discussions with Moscow, emphasizing that NATO's defense expenditure should align with domestic priorities rather than anxiety about Russia.

Speaking to a broadcaster on Sunday, Pellegrini remarked, "We need to start talking to the Russian Federation," proposing that “two or three leaders” could initiate the process, suggesting “[Italian] Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni” as a possible figure to lead the effort.

Pellegrini also supported Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s recent engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, an encounter that drew sharp disapproval from various Western nations.

The dialogue between Fico and Putin occurred in Moscow this May during the WWII Victory Day events.

Their discussions reportedly centered on bilateral relations and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The Slovak president further expressed opposition to NATO's push for an accelerated arms buildup. “It should not be fear of Russia that drives us into rearmament,” he asserted.

Instead, Pellegrini maintained that nations must independently determine “what strength and condition” they wish their militaries to possess.

He also pointed out that Europe’s defense manufacturing sector is not ready for massive procurement efforts and noted that attitudes toward Russia differ across EU nations.

“Half of society may not even see Russia as a threat,” Pellegrini added, implying that public opinion is too divided for a unified stance on defense.

Despite his reservations, Slovakia—alongside Italy and the United Kingdom—has endorsed the 2035 deadline for achieving NATO’s target of allocating 5 percent of gross domestic product to defense spending.

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