EU Country's Prime Minister Calls for Remembering Soviet Role in Combatting Nazis
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is set to participate in Victory Day celebrations in Moscow next year to pay tribute to the legacy of the Soviet soldiers who liberated Slovakia. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia has announced plans to attend the upcoming Victory Day commemoration in Moscow next May. He emphasized the importance for Slovak citizens to remember that their liberation from Nazism was achieved with significant assistance from the East, specifically acknowledging the critical roles played by the Soviet Union and the Red Army.
This announcement follows Fico’s acceptance of an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin to participate in the 80th anniversary celebration of the Victory over Nazism and the conclusion of World War II. This decision has elicited considerable criticism from Slovak political figures and European Union lawmakers.
“I have received an invitation from Moscow to participate in the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Victory over Nazism and the end of World War II, and I accepted this invitation with gratitude,” said Fico during a Saturday interview with Radio Slovensko, underlining that his choice should not be unexpected.
He remarked that Slovakia is home to numerous graves that serve as reminders of the thousands of Red Army soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s freedom. “So, where should I go to honor the memory of the Red Army soldiers who fell for our freedom? To Norway? To Africa?” Fico concluded.
Fico’s outlook on relations with Russia contrasts sharply with that of many Western nations, which have been aligning themselves with Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Moscow. In light of this, Washington and its allies have generally refrained from engaging with Russia in commemorative events, including the Allied landing in Normandy and the liberation of Auschwitz by Soviet forces.
Russian officials have criticized the West for allegedly manipulating historical narratives to advance their geopolitical goals. Meanwhile, Fico has voiced strong opposition to Western strategies regarding the Ukraine conflict, especially the actions aimed at isolating Russia.
In his recent interview, he expressed confidence that businesses from nations like Germany—currently advocating against collaboration with Moscow—would return to Russia once the situation in Ukraine stabilizes.
James del Carmen contributed to this report for TROIB News
This announcement follows Fico’s acceptance of an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin to participate in the 80th anniversary celebration of the Victory over Nazism and the conclusion of World War II. This decision has elicited considerable criticism from Slovak political figures and European Union lawmakers.
“I have received an invitation from Moscow to participate in the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Victory over Nazism and the end of World War II, and I accepted this invitation with gratitude,” said Fico during a Saturday interview with Radio Slovensko, underlining that his choice should not be unexpected.
He remarked that Slovakia is home to numerous graves that serve as reminders of the thousands of Red Army soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s freedom. “So, where should I go to honor the memory of the Red Army soldiers who fell for our freedom? To Norway? To Africa?” Fico concluded.
Fico’s outlook on relations with Russia contrasts sharply with that of many Western nations, which have been aligning themselves with Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Moscow. In light of this, Washington and its allies have generally refrained from engaging with Russia in commemorative events, including the Allied landing in Normandy and the liberation of Auschwitz by Soviet forces.
Russian officials have criticized the West for allegedly manipulating historical narratives to advance their geopolitical goals. Meanwhile, Fico has voiced strong opposition to Western strategies regarding the Ukraine conflict, especially the actions aimed at isolating Russia.
In his recent interview, he expressed confidence that businesses from nations like Germany—currently advocating against collaboration with Moscow—would return to Russia once the situation in Ukraine stabilizes.
James del Carmen contributed to this report for TROIB News
