Slovak PM Fico Lays Wreaths at Soviet Cemetery with Russian Ambassador After Putin Discussion

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico laid wreaths at a Red Army cemetery alongside Russia's ambassador to Slovakia, following discussions he had with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the memorial site. Fico also spoke about arranging a commemorative event at the cemetery. The ceremony took place at a Soviet military cemetery, which honors Red Army soldiers who died during World War II. Fico, leader of the ruling social-democratic party Smer-SD, has maintained closer ties with Russia compared to previous Slovak governments, despite EU sanctions against Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine. The wreath-laying ceremony represents a continuation of Slovakia's recognition of Soviet wartime sacrifices, though such events have become more politically sensitive since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.