Slovakia’s pro-Russia former PM Robert Fico invited to form coalition

Three-time former prime minister, who promised to end military aid to Ukraine, expected to seek deal with two other parties

Slovakia's president has asked Robert Fico, a populist, pro-Russian three-time former prime minister who campaigned on a promise to end military aid to Ukraine, to try to form a coalition government after his party came top in weekend elections.

President Zuzana aputova stressed on Monday that the new government would have to be one which will serve all citizens", saying the coming days would be a time of political negotiation" not just between parties but between her and party leaders.