Slovakia’s pro-Russian leader rejects calls from EU not to participate in Moscow military parade
Bratislava, Slovakia (AP) – Slovak populist Prime Minister Robert Fico on Tuesday responded in anger at what the EU’s foreign policy chief said was “disrespectful” remarks, who warned European leaders not to travel to Moscow to military celebrations ending World War II.
Fico, known for his pro-Russian view, vowed several times on May 9 to participate in a military parade in the Russian capital, which would mark the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat in World War II.
“It is also discussed and clearly stated by different member states that any participation in a parade or celebration in Europe will not be easily carried out on the European side, given that Russia is in a full-scale war in Europe,” Kaja Kallas told reporters in Luxembourg.
Karas also said: “We make it very clear that we do not want any candidate countries to participate in these events in Moscow” and called on Member States to send their representatives to the capital of Kiev, but to show solidarity with Ukraine.
“I will go to Moscow on May 9,” Ficco said in a statement.
“Mrs. Karas, I want to tell you that I am the legitimate Prime Minister of Slovakia, and it is a sovereign state,” he said. “No one can order me to go wherever I go or not.”
FICO said he will travel to Moscow to honor the Red Army soldiers who liberated his country and other Nazi victims.
The Kremlin used the annual Victory Day celebration to promote its battlefield capabilities at last year’s event, with Putin praising the Russian army for fighting in Ukraine as a “hero”.
FICO’s view of Russia’s war on Ukraine is very different from most other European leaders. The Slovak Prime Minister regained power last year after his leftist party, Smer (instructed) won parliamentary elections on pro-Russian and anti-American platforms. Since then, he ended the country’s military aid to Ukraine, slammed EU sanctions against Russia and vowed to stop Ukraine from joining NATO.
Unlike many Western politicians, FICO has not visited Kiev since the full Russian invasion more than three years ago.
His administration faces voices protests against pro-Russian stance and other policies.
