Slovakia's Fico Confirms Moscow Parade Attendance, Rejects EU Criticism
Despite a recent EU warning, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico reiterated his intention to attend the Russian Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9.
Speaking at a press conference alongside Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, Fico stated his position was rooted in his understanding of politics and history, referencing numerous memorials to Red Army soldiers across Slovakia.
"We know who liberated us... No one can take it away from us, no one can tell me we were liberated from the West, when we were liberated from the East," he said.
Fico argued that he participates in all international commemorative events related to the end of World War II, citing previous visits to Normandy, Arlington National Cemetery, and an upcoming visit to London to honor RAF pilots.
He explained that his Moscow visit would involve paying tribute to those who died liberating Slovakia, Czechoslovakia, and civilian victims, adding that, in his view, the nations of the former Soviet Union played the largest role in the fall of Nazi Germany.
The Slovak prime minister also stated that he would lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow and participate in the Immortal Regiment march.
"I feel absolutely comfortable about my visit," he said, emphasizing the need for dialogue with Russia.
Fico stated that Slovakia would also send a representative to any commemorations in Ukraine, led by the country's foreign minister or another official, as he could not be in two places simultaneously.
He expressed frustration with EU criticism, saying he would never criticize another country's leader for actions based on their historical understanding.
He directly criticized the EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, stating, "I will be in Moscow, even at the cost of, as Kallas said, 'this not being taken lightly'."
Updated
