Slovakia's Prime Minister publicly states he is in Moscow, celebrating Victory Day, and implies he's not participating alone.
Turns Out Slovakia's PM Fico May Not Be in Top Form
- Sometimes life throws a curveball, and it seems Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, might've caught one when he suddenly dropped out of all scheduled business events. The initial assumption was that he'd caught the same bug that sidelined Serbia's Prime Minister, Aleksandar Vucic, and was supposed to attend Moscow's Victory Day parade. However, Fico refused to let the rumors swirl, showing up at a press conference in Bratislava on May 4 to put the gossips to rest.*
Fico cleared the air and announced that he'd actually be in Moscow for the 80th anniversary celebrations of the Great Patriotic War victory, accompanied by two students. "The official delegation is 1+2," Fico said, quoting RIA Novosti. Alongside Fico, other guests from Slovakia – members of the National Council (parliament) and the European Parliament – would also journey to Moscow, but they'd have their separate itinerary and wouldn't be part of the prime minister's delegation.
Prior to the conference, Fico had spoken out against threats from Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky towards the Victory Day celebrations guests in Moscow, labelling them "unacceptable and unprecedented."
Delving Deeper:
Fico's sudden cancellations of events have been linked to lingering physical complications stemming from an assassination attempt in May 2024 that left him with four gunshot wounds. In addition, he had revealed in April 2025 that he required additional surgeries related to his injuries. Over time, these medical limitations have resulted in periodic restrictions on his public appearances.
The health issues surfaced at a crucial moment, with Fico preparing for a contentious visit to Moscow. Political analysts suggested that the trip could sway Slovakia's stance on Ukraine. Despite assurances from Fico's party that he's in good physical and mental health, critics like Denník N's editor called for transparency regarding Fico's ability to govern effectively. Curiously, there's been no hard evidence to suggest that the cancellations were linked to anything other than health issues, although their timing does coincide with heated domestic debates over Slovak military involvement in Ukraine.
- Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia, despite initial assumptions of illness, announced that he would be attending the 80th anniversary celebrations of the Great Patriotic War victory in Moscow, accompanied by two students and other delegates from Slovakia.
- Fico's reappearance in public at a press conference in Bratislava on May 4 followed speculation about his health, with some challenges from Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky towards guests at the Moscow Victory Day celebrations.
- The medical restrictions on Fico's public appearances, stemming from an assassination attempt in May 2024 that left him with four gunshot wounds and subsequent surgeries, have caused periodic cancellations, such as those before his contentious visit to Moscow.
- The timing of Fico's health-related cancellations coincides with heated domestic debates in Slovakia over military involvement in Ukraine, leading critics like Denník N's editor to call for transparency regarding Fico's ability to govern effectively.
