Slovak Premier Fico Defies EU's Kallas, Confirms Moscow Victory Day Attendance

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has warned EU candidate countries and leaders against attending Moscow's May 9 Victory Day celebrations, emphasizing that participation would be viewed negatively by the EU given Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine. Kallas specifically highlighted that invitations had been extended by President Putin to leaders from countries including China, India, Brazil, Slovakia, and Serbia, the latter of which is seeking EU membership. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico rejected Kallas's warnings, asserting his right as leader of a sovereign nation to attend the event. The EU's stance reflects its broader diplomatic pressure on candidate countries to distance themselves from Russia while the conflict in Ukraine continues. Despite the EU's position, some European leaders, including Fico and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, have indicated intentions to participate in the Moscow celebrations. The EU reiterated that any participation by candidate countries will not be taken lightly, signaling potential diplomatic repercussions.