Slovak PM defends Moscow WWII visit amid Ukraine tensions

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced that he will attend the 80th anniversary celebrations of the end of World War II, which will be held in Moscow in May 2025. In a conversation on Saturday, he emphasized 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 the PAP. He stressed that his participation in these ceremonies is aimed at commemorating history, not addressing current political events.

Fico also announced his presence at the commemorative events for the Carpathian-Dukla Operation, a significant 1944 battle on the Eastern Front. The Prime Minister noted that his attendance will testify that "freedom came from the East."

During the television conversation, the Prime Minister also addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine. He stated that he has discussed the conflict with Ukrainian politicians and does not understand why "they are still killing each other with the Russians."

According to him, the conflict 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.

The Slovak Prime Minister emphasized that every war must eventually conclude at the negotiating table. In his opinion, Slovakia should aim to restore normal relations with Russia once the conflict ends. "I will do everything to ensure that after the war, Slovakia has standard relations with Russia," he announced.

He added that during the joint meeting of the Slovak and Ukrainian governments, scheduled for this coming Monday, he will persuade his Ukrainian partners of the need to maintain the transit of oil and gas through Ukraine.

Robert Fico expressed support for Ukraine's aspirations to join the European Union, but noted that Slovakia expects a "normal and reasonable" approach from Ukrainians in managing key transit infrastructure.

Summarizing the situation in Ukraine, Fico also mentioned the potential impact of the U.S. presidential elections on the conflict's future. "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.