Slovak Prime Minister Fico to Meet Putin in Moscow for Victory Day Commemorations

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico will travel to Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of Victory Day commemorations marking the defeat of fascism in World War II. Fico will participate in both official talks and memorial ceremonies during his visit to the Russian capital. The meeting represents a significant diplomatic engagement between Slovakia and Russia amid ongoing tensions over the war in Ukraine. Fico, whose Smer-SD party returned to power in 2023, has been critical of Western military support for Ukraine and has advocated for a more conciliatory approach toward Russia compared to his predecessors. Victory Day, celebrated on May 9, marks the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in 1945 and remains one of Russia's most important national holidays. The event typically draws leaders from countries with close ties to Moscow, though many Western leaders have boycotted the celebrations since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.