Slovak PM in Moscow calls himself EU's black sheep

After arriving in Moscow, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier near the Kremlin and said he considers himself something of a "black sheep" within the European Union.

Source: Slovak newspaper Denník N, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Fico stressed that "normal relations" between Slovakia and Russia are important to him and told Russian journalists that he wanted to discuss several practical issues with Russian ruler Vladimir Putin.

Quote: "There are always some black sheep in the European Union. So I belong to that flock. I say this everywhere, so I have no problem saying it here too – I oppose a single mandatory opinion. Such an approach is very wrong."

Details: Fico said he respects everyone who contributed to the defeat of fascism. He mentioned his visit to Dachau, a planned visit to Normandy and the maintenance of cemeteries of Romanian soldiers who helped liberate Czechoslovakia. He repeatedly said that he rejects any distortion of historical facts.

The Slovak prime minister also referred to the assassination attempt against him in 2024.

Quote: "I had absolutely no problem coming to the celebrations. I am pleased that tomorrow I will have the opportunity to speak with President Putin. I also want to ask him several questions and convey certain messages. Many European politicians were interested in this trip." [N.B. Ukrainska Pravda does not recognise Putin as president – ed.]

Details: Fico described his main message as follows: "The key word is dialogue; we must talk and meet."

He added that he supports any form of ceasefire in Ukraine: "I want to express my conviction that we are approaching the end of the Russo-Ukrainian war."

In addition, the Slovak prime minister said it would amount to denying history if no respect were shown for the sacrifices made by the former Soviet Union and the Russian Federation in the fight against fascism.

Fico is expected to meet Putin in Moscow but will not attend the Victory Day parade on 9 May.

Background:

• Earlier, Rastislav Chovanec, Slovakia's State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Fico intends to deliver a message from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Putin during his visit to Moscow.
• The Office of the President of Ukraine later commented on reports about Fico's intention to pass on a message from Zelenskyy.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!