Published：Apr 28, 16:00Last updated：May 16, 11:22

Slovak PM Fico's Moscow Visit Sparks Controversy Amid Calls for EU-Russia Cooperation

Apr. 28, 2026 16:00

Slovak PM Robert Fico plans to attend Moscow's Victory Day celebrations by car after Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia denied his plane access to their airspace. Fico intends to lay flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier but skip the parade. The trip highlights tensions over EU-Russia relations, as Slovakia challenges EU sanctions on Russian gas and oil.

Summarized

30News

9Media

May. 16, 2026 00:05

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico plans to share important insights with European politicians following his negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He announced this during a press conference.

May. 16, 2026 11:22

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated on May 16, 2026, that the West's strategy to weaken Russia by supporting Ukraine is ineffective. Fico accused Europe of fueling the conflict in Ukraine and expressed a desire to resolve it quickly. He made these remarks during a discussion with Slovak students.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's attendance at Moscow's Victory Day celebrations has sparked diplomatic tensions and domestic criticism. The visit, occurring on May 9, 2026, marked Fico as the only EU leader to participate in the controversial event commemorating the Soviet victory in World War II. His journey required special flight permissions after multiple countries denied airspace access, ultimately taking 3.5-4 hours via an approved route through Germany and the Czech Republic. Fico met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and emphasized the need for cooperation between Europe and Russia, opposing the creation of a "new Iron Curtain."

🏛️ Diplomatic Engagements

Fico met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin for discussions on bilateral relations and energy cooperation. The Slovak leader emphasized historical ties with Russia while Putin promised to address Slovakia's energy needs. Fico described the meeting as "very good" and anticipates significant interest from EU leaders regarding the talks. The meeting occurred against the backdrop of EU sanctions on Russian energy exports, which Fico's government has challenged. Fico wore a St. George ribbon during ceremonies, a symbolic gesture aligning with Russian commemorative traditions TASS+4.

✈️ Logistical Challenges

The prime minister's travel plans faced unprecedented hurdles as Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia denied his plane access to their airspace. This forced an alternative route approved by Germany and the Czech Republic. Putin humorously remarked about the complicated journey being "better than riding a horse." The logistical obstacles highlighted growing East-West tensions over Russia's international engagements China.org+2.

🏡 Domestic Backlash

Fico's Moscow visit drew sharp criticism from EU partners and Slovak opposition parties. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly questioned the diplomatic move during a press conference with Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson. The trip marked Fico's second consecutive year attending the controversial event, raising concerns about Slovakia's alignment with EU foreign policy positions regarding Russia Der Spiegel+2.

⚡ Energy Sector Focus

Following his visit to Russia, Fico announced an urgent meeting with Transpetrol company to discuss prospects for cooperation with Russia in the energy sector. While supporting the diversification of energy sources in the EU, Fico advocates retaining access to cheaper Russian oil and gas, a stance that contrasts with broader EU policies TASS+1.

SlovakiaRobert FicoVladimir PutinVictory Day ParadeEU-Russia relations