Thousands Protest Slovakia PM Fico Moscow Visit Amid EU Criticism

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico faced widespread protests at home for attending the Moscow Victory Day parade, becoming the only EU leader to participate in the event amid Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine. Thousands gathered in Bratislava and other cities, chanting slogans like "Slovakia is Europe" and condemning Fico's visit as a betrayal of European values, with critics labeling it a shameful moment for Slovakia's foreign policy. EU officials, including High Representative Kaja Kallas, strongly rebuked Fico, emphasizing that supporters of freedom and European values should stand with Ukraine rather than attending a Kremlin event. Fico defended his attendance as a tribute to the Red Army soldiers who died liberating Slovakia in World War II and rejected critics' claims that his visit supported Russia's current aggression. Meanwhile, Ukraine summoned diplomats from countries whose officials attended the parade, including Slovakia, delivering formal protests and denouncing the participation as an unfriendly act that desecrates the memory of WWII victims and implicitly endorses Russia's war. The controversy highlighted deep divisions over historical memory and current geopolitics between Slovakia, the EU, and Russia.