Concern over security of parade attendees in Moscow falls under Russia's jurisdiction - asserts Fico
Slovakia's Prime Minister Slams Zelensky Over May 9 Safety Concerns
In an informal and straightforward tone, Slovakia's Prime Minister, Robert Fico, voiced his disagreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding the safety of political leaders attending the May 9 Victory Day celebrations in Moscow.
At a press conference, Fico shared his displeasure with Zelensky's comments, considering them a threat for security reasons. He argued, "I don't condone such threats. Even though the safety of participants is the internal responsibility of the Russian Federation, it's unacceptable for a leader to try preventing foreign delegations from attending based on heated outbursts."
Fico expressed regret that Zelensky and others were "mixing the past with the present." He emphasized, "It's a grave disrespect to tell a nation that made a tremendous effort in the victory over fascism and experienced unimaginable losses, 'Go ahead and celebrate, but we may harm you.' That's beyond unacceptable."
Notably, on May 3, Zelensky had declared that Ukraine could not ensure the safety of representatives from other countries during trips to Moscow on May 9, questioning Russia's intentions and its capacity to safeguard guests[1].
The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, had advised European leaders in April to abstain from participating in the military celebrations in Moscow[2], as a sign of solidarity with Ukraine.
Fico's criticism mirrors the ongoing strife between the two leaders, further highlighted by their disagreements on other issues, such as recent agreements between Ukraine and the United States[3].
[1] Source: "European Truth," Fico's remarks[2] Enrichment Data: Borrell's April advisory[3] Enrichment Data: Disputes over U.S.-Ukraine agreements
- Robert Fico, Slovakia's Prime Minister, has criticized Volodymyr Zelensky over his statements about the safety of political leaders attending the May 9 Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, considering them a threat.
- Fico argues that it's unacceptable for a leader to prevent foreign delegations from attending based on heated outbursts, and he regrets the mixing of past and present by Zelensky and others.
- The disrespect shown by Zelensky in telling a nation that made a tremendous effort in the victory over fascism to potentially harm them is beyond unacceptable, according to Fico.
- The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, had previously advised European leaders to abstain from participating in the military celebrations in Moscow, as a sign of solidarity with Ukraine.
- Fico's criticism of Zelensky and their disagreements on issues such as recent agreements between Ukraine and the United States further highlight the ongoing strife between the two leaders in the realm of politics and general news.
