Prime Minister from NATO Country to Attend Victory Day Parade in Russia Next Year
Slovakia’s Robert Fico asserts that no one can “stop” him from traveling to Moscow to commemorate the 80th anniversary of victory in Europe. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced on Saturday his plans to visit Moscow to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany. During an appearance on the ‘Saturday Dialogues’ show on Slovakia’s RTVS radio, Fico expressed that the celebration should be separate from contemporary conflicts.
“Who will stop me next year, when it will be the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, from going to a peaceful demonstration in Moscow? I think I will go. And why wouldn’t I go. What does it have to do with the present time?” Fico remarked when asked by the host about his potential attendance.
Fico emphasized the importance of remembering that “freedom came from the East,” likely referencing the Soviet Army's role in liberating Slovakia from Nazi occupation in spring 1945. He also mentioned that he had recently communicated to Ukrainian authorities that he fails to comprehend their continued resistance against Russia.
Since taking office again in 2023, Fico has ceased Slovak arms supplies to Ukraine and has consistently advocated for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict. At a press conference earlier this week, he pledged to do everything possible to mend relations with Moscow once hostilities cease.
In a recent address at the former site of the Sered concentration camp in western Slovakia, Fico criticized the West for condemning the atrocities of the Third Reich during World War II while ignoring instances of Ukrainian forces displaying Nazi symbols. He urged the global community to refrain from “silently tolerating” such actions by Kiev’s military.
Moscow has long highlighted what it perceives as the increasing prevalence of Nazi ideology among Ukrainians, making “denazification” one of the stated objectives of its military operation that commenced in February 2022.
Additionally, Russian Security Council deputy chairman Dmitry Medvedev accused the West earlier this year of fostering modern Nazi elements by supporting Ukraine in its conflict against Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also criticized the West for supposedly “forgetting the lessons of World War II” and for “mocking history” through their endorsement of current groups that follow Nazi ideologies.
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
“Who will stop me next year, when it will be the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, from going to a peaceful demonstration in Moscow? I think I will go. And why wouldn’t I go. What does it have to do with the present time?” Fico remarked when asked by the host about his potential attendance.
Fico emphasized the importance of remembering that “freedom came from the East,” likely referencing the Soviet Army's role in liberating Slovakia from Nazi occupation in spring 1945. He also mentioned that he had recently communicated to Ukrainian authorities that he fails to comprehend their continued resistance against Russia.
Since taking office again in 2023, Fico has ceased Slovak arms supplies to Ukraine and has consistently advocated for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict. At a press conference earlier this week, he pledged to do everything possible to mend relations with Moscow once hostilities cease.
In a recent address at the former site of the Sered concentration camp in western Slovakia, Fico criticized the West for condemning the atrocities of the Third Reich during World War II while ignoring instances of Ukrainian forces displaying Nazi symbols. He urged the global community to refrain from “silently tolerating” such actions by Kiev’s military.
Moscow has long highlighted what it perceives as the increasing prevalence of Nazi ideology among Ukrainians, making “denazification” one of the stated objectives of its military operation that commenced in February 2022.
Additionally, Russian Security Council deputy chairman Dmitry Medvedev accused the West earlier this year of fostering modern Nazi elements by supporting Ukraine in its conflict against Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also criticized the West for supposedly “forgetting the lessons of World War II” and for “mocking history” through their endorsement of current groups that follow Nazi ideologies.
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
