Russia–Slovakia relations (Russian: Российско-словацкие отношения) 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. Both countries are strongly opposed to the 2008 independence of Kosovo and have refused to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with Kosovo. Unlike Czech Republic, which has some negative view over Russia due to the past, Slovakia is seemed to have a better relations with Russia.