Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has expressed his intention to participate in Moscow’s 80th anniversary celebrations of World War II victory, scheduled for 2025.
Robert Fico is known for his pro-Russian stance on the war in Ukraine, with statements and policies that diverge from the mainstream European and NATO approach. He vowed to block Ukraine’s NATO membership for the duration of his time in office, which could last until 2027, arguing that this could lead to further escalation with Russia.
Fico has also terminated Slovakia’s military aid to Ukraine and voiced skepticism about Western support, labeling Ukraine as one of the “most corrupt countries in the world.” He was found to have close ties with Russian energy giant Gazprom, which may have influenced his anti-Ukrainian political stance.
“I will consider it an honor to come to Moscow,” Fico stated, framing his potential attendance as a “personal duty.”
The statement came during his interview with Russian state television program “60 Minutes,” aired on Russia-1 channel and shared via Telegram by state media host and propagandist Olga Skabeeva.
Fico also expressed support for establishing a monument to Soviet Marshal Ivan Konev in Slovakia, citing his role in leading military operations during WWII.
The Prime Minister’s stance aligns with his earlier statements about seeking “normal” relations with Russia once the war in Ukraine concludes during his term.
Slovak Prime Minister claimed that an assassination attempt against him in May 2024 was triggered by his anti-Ukrainian stance. Fico, who was shot and injured in the abdomen during a public event, suggested that his opposition to military aid for Ukraine and sanctions on Russia made him a target. Despite the attack, Fico expressed no resentment toward the gunman and reaffirmed his controversial policies, which include halting weapons support to Ukraine and advocating peace talks with Russia.
Related:
- Who is Robert Fico? Slovak leader’s ties with Russia exposed in hacked files
- Slovak PM Fico claims his anti-Ukrainian stance sparked his assassination attempt
- Ukrainian forces detain Slovak mercenary fighting for Russia
- Pro-Russian Slovak PM Fico shot, hospitalized after government meeting attack
- Zelenskyy urges allies to speed up weapons supply at meeting with President of Slovakia Zuzana Čaputová in Kyiv
- Slovaks raise €4 mn for Ukrainian ammo procurement in Czechia
- Slovaks join Czechia-led effort to supply Ukraine with ammo, defying Slovakia’s pro-Russian PM
- Thousands of Slovakians came out against government’s pro-Russian policies
