As the EU’s only leader, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico visited Moscow for Victory Day celebrations on Saturday, drawing criticism from the German chancellor.
Slovakia, a Central European country dependent on Russian oil, is the most Kremlin-friendly country in the EU.
It was the second time Fico, who is skeptical of EU aid to Ukraine, has visited Russia for the main patriotic event.
“No tanks, please”: euphemisms do not hide Putin’s insecurity
A new euphemism has filtered into the Kremlin vocabulary to describe Russia’s war against Ukraine,…
4 minutes
“I know there were some difficulties with your trip to Moscow. But the important thing is that you are here,” Putin told Fico during the meeting.
A handful of European states refused to let Fico’s plane use their airspace on its way to Moscow.
“We welcome the gradual resumption of bilateral cooperation, which was effectively suspended by the previous Slovak authorities,” Putin said.
“We will do everything we can to meet the energy needs of the Slovak Republic,” he added.
The Slovak prime minister said his visit was “a manifestation of respect for the victims of World War II”, adding that he would discuss “fundamental issues” of bilateral relations with Putin.
“I am against the creation of any kind of new iron curtain between Europe, the European Union and the Russian Federation,” Fico said.
“I support normal, standard, friendly and mutually beneficial relations,” he said.
Alone in Moscow: Fico under pressure at home and in Brussels
BRATISLAVA – Slovakia’s Robert Fico is expected to be the only EU leader going to…
3 minutes
Fico did not take part in the parade in central Moscow’s Red Square – normally a grand show of force, which this year took place without military hardware. Authorities said the military equipment was located in Ukraine.
He laid flowers on Friday at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – Russia’s main memorial to the millions of Soviet soldiers who died fighting against Nazi Germany.
Fico’s visit drew criticism from the leader of another EU country, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. who said he was very sorry for the trip. “We will talk to him about this day in Moscow,” he added.
Relations between Russia and the EU hit an all-time low after Putin ordered troops into neighboring Ukraine four years ago.
Putin scolds NATO
In a speech at the parade, which was attended by Russian military units as well as soldiers from North Korea, Putin invoked the Soviet victory to rally support for his army in Ukraine.
“The great achievement of the generation of winners inspires the soldiers who carry out the goals of the special military operation today,” Putin said. “They are facing an aggressive force armed and supported by the entire NATO bloc. And despite this, our heroes march forward,” he said.
“I firmly believe that our cause is just,” he added later.
(bms)
