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Slovak PM Fico Confirms May 9 Moscow Visit, Calls Zelenskyy’s Comment “Threats”
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![Ivan_khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has confirmed he plans to attend the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9, despite public warnings from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about potential security risks for visiting foreign leaders.
Speaking to reporters on May 4, Fico criticized Zelenskyy’s earlier statement, in which the Ukrainian leader said Ukraine could not guarantee the safety of international delegations traveling to Russia during the Victory Day holiday.
According to Fico, such comments amounted to “threats” and “disrespect” toward a country he described as having made the largest contribution to defeating Nazism in World War II.
“If Mr. Zelenskyy believes that his outbursts will prevent foreign delegations from attending, he is deeply mistaken,” Fico said.
He added that he would be traveling to Moscow “to express respect for the nation that played a decisive role in the victory over Hitler and suffered the most.”
Zelenskyy, in a recent statement, rejected Russia’s proposal for a three-day ceasefire around May 9, calling it cynical. He said Ukraine remains open to a long-term ceasefire if Russia is serious about peace, but not for the purpose of facilitating celebrations in Moscow.
He also clarified that Ukraine cannot be held responsible for what may happen on Russian territory during the holiday period, including possible provocations or attacks. Contrary to Fico’s remarks, Zelenskyy did not explicitly threaten a drone strike on the Russian capital.
