Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has officially confirmed that he will travel to Moscow on May 9, where he will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. At the same time, according to the politician, he will not participate in the military parade on Red Square.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Details of the Visit and Fico’s Position
During the European Political Community summit in Yerevan, Fico stated that his agenda in Moscow includes laying flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a brief meeting with Putin. The Prime Minister emphasized that attending the parade is not part of his plans, despite the Kremlin’s expectations for the Slovak leader’s presence among foreign guests at the event.
“I will lay flowers at the grave of the Unknown Soldier of the Red Army to thank for the liberation on behalf of the Slovaks, and I have a brief meeting planned with President Putin. That’s all. I will not attend any military parade.”
Slovakia’s Relations with Russia and Ukraine
Robert Fico is known for his pro-Russian stance and support for contacts with the Kremlin. At the same time, his relations with Ukraine remain tense. In particular, Slovakia and Hungary have accused Kyiv of delaying the restoration of the Druzhba pipeline after oil supplies were halted in January due to a Russian attack. These countries have also blocked the allocation of EU aid to support Ukraine.
Slovakia and Hungary still largely depend on supplies of Russian energy resources. The countries seek to maintain oil and gas imports from Russia, despite the European Union’s efforts to reduce energy purchases from Russia following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
During the summit in Yerevan, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Robert Fico, emphasizing Ukraine’s readiness for constructive dialogue with Slovakia and the development of bilateral relations.