Slovak PM plans WWII Moscow visit amid Ukraine tensions
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico declared that he will participate in the 80th anniversary celebrations of the end of World War II, which are scheduled to be held in Moscow in May 2025. In a conversation on Saturday, he emphasised that his trip will not be related to the current Russian aggression in Ukraine.
"Who will stop me from attending a peace rally?" - the Prime Minister asked on Slovak television, as quoted by PAP. He stressed that his participation in these ceremonies will be aimed at commemorating the memory, not addressing current political events.
A visit in connection with the Carpathian-Dukla Operation
Fico also announced his presence at the commemorative events for the Carpathian-Dukla Operation, which took place in 1944 and was one of the key actions on the Eastern Front. The Prime Minister noted that his presence will be a testimony to the memory that "freedom came from the East."
During the conversation on Slovak television, the Prime Minister also addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine. He stated that he spoke about the conflict with Ukrainian politicians and does not understand why "they are still killing each other with the Russians."
In his opinion, the conflict situation has not changed. "We are where we were two years ago. The Russians have greater territorial gains. We have hundreds of thousands of soldiers killed. And no military solution is in sight," Fico said, as quoted by PAP.
The Slovak Prime Minister emphasised that every war must eventually end at the negotiating table. In his opinion, Slovakia should strive to restore normal relations with Russia after the conflict ends. "I will do everything to ensure that after the war Slovakia has standard relations with Russia," he announced.
He also added that during the joint meeting of the Slovak and Ukrainian governments, which will be held this coming Monday, he will persuade his Ukrainian partners of the necessity to maintain the transit of oil and gas through the territory of Ukraine.
Support for Ukraine's accession to the EU
Robert Fico expressed support for Ukraine's aspirations for European Union membership but noted that Slovakia expects a "normal and reasonable" approach from Ukrainians in managing key transit infrastructure.
Summing up the situation in Ukraine, Fico also mentioned the possible impact of the United States presidential elections on the future of the conflict. "Ukraine would benefit from Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential elections, as this would mean a greater possibility of ending the war with Russia," Fico assessed.
