Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has ignited controversy by expressing his intention to visit Moscow in 2024 to commemorate the end of World War II, while also sharply criticizing the European Union's approach to the Ukraine conflict.
The West is Prolonging the War
His appearance on Russian state television Rossiia-1 has drawn significant backlash domestically and internationally, as Fico became the first EU leader to appear on the network since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
In his interview, conducted on a Russian talk show hosted by Kremlin-aligned Olga Skabeeva, Fico accused the West of “prolonging the war” by arming Ukraine and dismissed Western sanctions as ineffective.
He expressed a willingness to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin and criticized the EU's approach as being dismissive toward Ukraine, saying, "Here are your weapons, here is your money, now fight, but don’t bother us."
Strengthen Ties With China
These remarks prompted outrage from Slovak opposition leaders. Michal Simecka, leader of the largest opposition party, accused Fico of prioritizing Russian interests over domestic issues.
Former Slovak PM Igor Matovič took an even harsher stance, calling Fico “a treacherous stoat” on social media.
In addition, British Ambassador Nigel Baker condemned Fico's claims that the West is uninterested in peace, emphasizing support for Ukraine's peace plan led by President Zelensky.
As Fico criticized the EU’s stance on Ukraine, he has also moved to strengthen ties with China. Currently on a six-day trip, Fico plans to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Qiang, promoting Slovakia’s desire for closer economic and diplomatic ties with China — a position aligned with Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán’s foreign policy.
