Slovak PM Fico to attend Victory Day commemoration in Moscow in May
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has accepted an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin. He will join the World War II commemoration in Moscow on May 9, 2025. This move shows Fico’s efforts to strengthen ties with Russia, even with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Fico made the announcement on his official Facebook page. He expressed his interest in celebrating the victory over fascism. This event is a big deal for him.
Fico’s decision to go to Moscow is a big change for Slovakia. The country has always been close to the West, being part of the European Union and NATO. But Fico has shown support for Russia, opposing NATO’s expansion and stopping military aid to Ukraine.
Key Takeaways
- Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico will attend the 80th anniversary celebrations of World War II victory in Moscow in 2025.
- Fico’s decision aligns with his pro-Russian stance on the war in Ukraine and efforts to improve relations with Russia.
- Fico has expressed his willingness to pay tribute to the bravery of Soviet soldiers during WWII commemorations.
- Fico’s move marks a shift in Slovakia’s foreign policy, as the country has historically maintained a pro-Western alignment.
- Fico’s close ties with Russian energy giant Gazprom may have influenced his anti-Ukrainian political stance.
Prime Minister Fico’s Decision to Accept Putin’s Invitation
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has accepted an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin. He will attend the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9, 2025. This decision is significant, as it honors the Soviet victory in World War II.
Official Facebook Announcement Details
Prime Minister Fico shared his excitement on Facebook. He said accepting the Russian invitation was a pleasure. He noted the importance of remembering the defeat of fascism.
Fico also talked about his role as Prime Minister of Slovakia. He mentioned the country’s historical ties and the importance of joining the Moscow celebrations.
Significance of the May 9, 2025 Celebrations
The May 9th celebrations in Moscow are very important. They mark the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II. This victory led to the defeat of Nazi Germany.
Fico’s decision to attend these commemorations shows his understanding of their significance. It also highlights Slovakia’s place in European history.
Response to Official Russian Invitation
Fico’s acceptance of the official invitation from President Putin has caused a stir. Some people see it as a positive step in diplomacy and historical recognition. Others are worried about its impact on Slovakia’s relations with the European Union.
These concerns are especially relevant given the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Slovak PM Fico to attend Victory Day commemoration in Moscow in May
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico will join the Victory Day celebration in Moscow on May 9, 2025. This event honors the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. His attendance shows Slovakia’s effort to strengthen Slovak-Russian relations, even with tensions over Ukraine.
Fico has always valued the bravery of Soviet soldiers. He has honored them at events like the Slovak National Uprising and the 80th anniversary of the Red Army’s Carpathian-Dukla offensive. He also supports a monument to Soviet Marshal Ivan Konev in Slovakia.
Attending the Victory Day in Moscow is a personal duty for Fico. He sees it as a chance to honor the Soviet Union’s sacrifices. This move is part of his strategy to improve Slovak-Russian relations, despite EU and US criticism.
“The debt of $709 million announced by Gazprom representatives to Moldova is still disputed, as noted by Moldova’s position.”
The Victory Day in Moscow is a key event for many countries, including Slovakia. Fico’s decision to attend shows Slovakia’s commitment to engage with Russia. This is despite Western sanctions and strict policies against Moscow’s actions in Ukraine.
Slovakia’s Shifting Relations with Russia amid Ukraine Conflict
The Ukraine conflict has changed Slovakia’s ties with Russia under Prime Minister Robert Fico. Fico’s government stopped sending military aid to Ukraine. This move is different from the European Union’s goal to isolate Moscow.
Like Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Fico has taken a softer stance towards Russia. He faced backlash for appearing on Russia’s Rossiya-1 TV. There, he criticized the EU’s hardline stance on Ukraine, pushing for talks instead of war.
Commercial Arms Sales Continuation
Even though military aid to Ukraine stopped, Slovakia keeps selling arms commercially. This shows the complex relationship Slovakia has with Russia. The country tries to balance its politics and economy.
Contrast with EU’s Position on Russia
| Country | Position on Russia |
|---|---|
| Slovak Republic | Maintains a more conciliatory stance, with Prime Minister Fico advocating for negotiation over conflict |
| European Union | Adopts a firm stance, isolating Russia and imposing various economic sanctions in response to the Ukraine conflict |
Fico’s approach has raised eyebrows among EU partners. They worry it might weaken the EU’s united front against Russia and Ukraine.
“It is better to negotiate for two years than to allow soldiers to kill each other for the same period.”
– Robert Fico, Slovak Prime Minister
Diplomatic Developments and International Relations
The Ukraine conflict has made Slovakia a key player in international politics. Prime Minister Fico talked to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump about the war in Ukraine. This shows Slovakia’s role in global politics.
The details of their private talk are not public. But it shows how important talking is in tricky situations like Ukraine. Slovakia is caught between the West and Russia, its big economic partner.
| Key Diplomatic Developments | Impact on Slovakia |
|---|---|
| Slovakia launched Central Europe’s largest gas reverse in September 2014, facilitating gas supply to Ukraine. | This move showed Slovakia’s support for Ukraine’s energy needs, even with Russian gas imports. |
| Russia reduced gas supplied to Slovakia by almost half in response to gas sent to Ukraine, which lasted until March 2015. | The cut in Russian gas showed Slovakia’s energy sector’s weak spots and the need for more diverse sources. |
| Slovakia has been gradually replacing Russian-made military equipment with Western-made equipment to reduce reliance on Russian suppliers. | This change in military gear shows Slovakia’s move to match its defense with Western allies, during the Ukraine crisis. |
The US-Slovakia relations, Donald Trump, and the Ukraine war are changing the diplomatic scene. Slovakia’s skill in diplomatic communication will be key to keeping its interests safe and its place in global politics.
“Slovakia’s diplomatic maneuverability will be tested as it seeks to balance its commitments to the West and its longstanding ties with Russia.”
Conclusion
Prime Minister Robert Fico’s choice to go to the Victory Day in Moscow shows Slovakia’s changing foreign policy. The country wants to keep good relations with Russia while dealing with European politics and the Ukraine conflict. This move shows Slovakia’s attempt to find a balance in its diplomacy, using its strategic position to protect its interests.
The Prime Minister talked about the Eastern Front’s role in World War II and wanting to improve relations with Russia after the conflict. This change in Slovakia’s foreign policy could affect its role in the European Union and its relationships with Eastern and Western powers.
Slovakia faces internal challenges like distrust in media and NGOs. The government’s move towards a more independent foreign policy might make things harder with the European Union. Slovakia’s future will depend on how well it balances its ties with Russia and navigates Europe’s complex politics.
FAQ
What is the announcement made by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico regarding the Victory Day commemoration in Moscow?
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said he will go to Moscow for World War II commemorations. This is on May 9, 2025, at President Vladimir Putin’s invitation.
What is the significance of Fico’s decision to attend the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow?
Fico’s choice shows his government wants better relations with Russia. This is even with the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The event honors the Soviet victory in World War II.
How does Fico’s decision contrast with the European Union’s position on Russia?
Fico’s government stopped sending military aid to Ukraine when they took office. This is different from the European Union’s goal to isolate Russia. But, Slovakia still sells arms commercially, like Hungary. This is different from the EU’s official stance.
What is the diplomatic landscape surrounding Slovakia’s relations with the United States and Russia?
The Slovak government said Fico talked to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump by phone. They mainly discussed the war in Ukraine. This shows the complex situation around the Ukraine conflict and Slovakia’s role in it.
