Slovak Prime Minister Fico voices disapproval towards Zelenskyy's remarks on potential dangers of visiting Moscow on May 9.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico Slams Zelenskyy Over Safety Concerns
Slovakia's Prime Minister, Robert Fico, has blasted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for questioning the safety of foreign politicians attending Moscow's Victory Day celebrations. Fico believes Zelenskyy's comments amount to a threat and are disrespectful to countries that contributed significantly to the defeat of fascism during WWII.
At a press conference on Sunday, Fico poured scorn on Zelenskyy's concern. "I flat-out reject such threats regarding security," Fico stated emphatically. He added, "The Russian Federation is entirely responsible for the safety of participants, but it's unacceptable for Zelenskyy to suggest that foreign delegations will shy away due to his outbursts."
Fico regretted that Zelenskyy and other officials are "mixing up the past with the present." He pointed out that Ukrainian soldiers lost their lives in WWII, but a ceasefire proposal should have been accepted, and any refusal to offer congratulations on the end of the war should have been kept quiet.
Zelenskyy's remarks come after EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged European leaders to steer clear of the 9 May military parade in Moscow, citing solidarity with Ukraine. However, Fico set his own course, affirming his plan to attend the Moscow parade despite the EU's advice, saying, "Nobody can dictate where I should go."
This debacle underscores the growing confrontations within Europe over engagement with Russia in the midst of the ongoing war. The specifics surrounding Zelenskyy's comments remain vague, but they appear linked to the broader tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
- Robert Fico, the Slovak Prime Minister, criticized Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his perceived threats regarding the safety of foreign politicians at Moscow's Victory Day celebrations.
- Fico asserted that Zelenskyy's rhetoric was disrespectful towards countries that played a significant role in the defeat of fascism during World War II.
- At a press conference, Fico expressed his disapproval of Zelenskyy's comments, stating that it was unacceptable for the Ukrainian president to suggest that foreign delegations would avoid the celebrations due to his outbursts.
- Despite the EU's advice, Fico plans to attend the Moscow parade, highlighting the growing polarization within Europe regarding engagement with Russia amidst the ongoing war and the war-and-conflicts' policy-and-legislations and politics.
