Russia–Slovakia relations (Russian: Российско-словацкие отношения, Slovak: Rusko-slovenské vzťahy) date back to when diplomatic relations were established upon Slovakia gaining its independence on January 1, 1993. Russia opened its embassy in Bratislava in 1993. Slovakia also has an embassy in Moscow. Unlike Slovakia's neighbour and close ally Czech Republic, which has some negative view over Russia due to the past, Slovakia tends to have better relations with Russia. Both countries are opposed to and do not recognise the independence of Kosovo and both Slovakia and Russia have refused to establish diplomatic relations with the republic.