Who is Robert Fico, the pro-Russian leader poised to head Slovakia’s coalition government?

Leadership of populist three-time PM could have ramifications for Ukraine, EU and Slovakia's rule of law

Slovakia's president, Zuzana Caputova, will on Monday hand the country's former prime minister Robert Fico a mandate to start negotiations to form a coalition government after his Smer-SD party won almost 23% of the vote in weekend elections.

If he succeeds, the populist, pro-Russian leader's fourth term as prime minister could have significant ramifications for Slovakia's military support for Ukraine, EU unity and cohesion, and the rule of law in the central European country.