Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Kazakhstan on Wednesday, and discussed boosting energy and industry ties and easing a row over farm goods with the Central Asian nation which exports most of its oil through Russia but is exploring alternatives.

Underscoring that more than 80% of Kazakhstan's oil is exported to foreign markets through Russia, Putin, who starts his visit to Kazakhstan on Wednesday, said he and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev always focus on "a specific result" in their talks.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit Kazakhstan on Wednesday for a two-day trip aimed at shoring up ties with his Central Asian ally as tensions mount over the Ukraine war.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said he will go to Moscow next year to attend celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of victory in World War II.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Wednesday he would attend World War Two commemorations in Moscow in May as he accepted an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Fico, whose government has sought to improve relations with Russia despite its invasion of Ukraine,

Slovakia's Ukraine-skeptic Prime Minister Robert Fico accepted Russian President Vladimir Putin's invitation to attend the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow next May, Fico announced on Nov. 27.