BRATISLAVA – Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced on Wednesday that he would attend the World War II Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9, 2025, following an official invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Fico, who has advocated for improved relations with Russia despite its ongoing invasion of Ukraine, confirmed his acceptance of the invitation in a Facebook post.
“It is natural that as prime minister of the Republic of Slovakia I have an eminent interest in participating in the official celebrations of the victory over fascism,” Fico wrote. “I was therefore pleased to accept the official invitation of the President of the Russian Federation V. Putin to participate in these important celebrations, which I will do.”
The announcement comes amid Fico’s controversial foreign policy stance, which has included halting military aid to Ukraine after assuming office over a year ago. Although his government has allowed commercial arms sales to Kyiv, it argues that supplying weapons prolongs the conflict, a position at odds with the broader European Union strategy of isolating Moscow.
Fico’s approach parallels that of Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has also maintained closer ties with Russia compared to other EU leaders. Separately, the Slovak government confirmed that Fico had a phone conversation with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, during which they discussed the Ukraine conflict.
Fico’s decision to attend the Moscow event, along with recent appearances on Russian state television criticizing the EU’s stance on the war, has drawn criticism from Slovak opposition leaders and raised questions about Slovakia’s alignment within the EU.