Slovaks demonstrate against Fico's trip to Moscow
Rewritten Article:
Ukraine War Live Updates +++ Protests Erupt Against Fico’s Trip to Moscow
Stay informed with the latest developments in the Ukraine war, as thousands of protesters in Slovakia rally against Prime Minister Robert Fico's trip to Moscow.
Social Media News Whatsapp Email Print Copy Link
With thousands of citizens taking part in protests in Bratislava and other cities across Slovakia, the furor is centered around Fico's visit to Moscow for the World War II commemoration. Fico, a left-wing prime minister who often faces criticism for his pro-Russian stance, is the only EU government chief to attend the event. Protesters in Bratislava expressed their displeasure with a call reading, "May 9th is Europe's day, but Robert Fico spends it with a war criminal."
Meanwhile, tensions are escalating between Ukraine and Hungary as Kyiv expels two Hungarian diplomats, and Budapest responds similarly. The alleged reason for the expulsions revolves around the arrest of two individuals in Ukraine, accused of espionage for Hungary.
As the military parade takes place in Moscow on Red Square, Mykhailo Malyi, a spokesperson for the Red Cross, refers to it as "a parade of cynicism." While Russia celebrates its victory over fascism, Malyi highlights modern fascism within the country.
In other news, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva spoke with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, criticizing US President Donald Trump's recent trade policies during their meeting in Moscow. Lula expressed his desire to strengthen Brazil's partnership with Russia, citing shared political, commercial, cultural, scientific, and technological interests.
------------------*
In a move to bolster European defense, the Nordic countries have extended an invitation to Ukraine to participate in military exercises with the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). A multinational expeditionary force, JEF consists of the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, the Netherlands, the three Baltic states Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. While no specific details have emerged regarding Ukraine's participation, the broader military cooperation between Ukraine and European defense efforts is apparent.
In what seems like a collision of old and new hostilities, an expulsion of diplomats has taken place between Ukraine and Hungary. Kyiv has expelled two Hungarian diplomats, with the Hungarian Foreign Minister, Peter Szijjarto, stating that they must leave the country within 48 hours, while Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha announced the expulsions via Twitter. Allegations of espionage activity by the expelled diplomats have surfaced, tangling the relationship between the two nations further.
As Putin's military parade continues on Red Square, a tense standoff unfolds with the EU and NATO, as diplomats work on a potential 30-day ceasefire proposal in Ukraine. If Russia rejects the proposal, a wave of additional joint US-European sanctions could follow.
------------------*
While the Rudolph Steiner House in Berlin witnessed an unusual gathering of well-known politicians, supporters of Ukraine protested outside the Russian embassy, decrying Russia's aggression in Ukraine. The notable attendees included former East German leader Egon Krenz, BSW politician Klaus Ernst, and Bundestag member Sevim Dagdelen. In a twist of events, rumors of secret negotiations between German and Russian representatives in Baku, Azerbaijan, have sparked outrage, particularly among security and opposition figures.
In stark contrast to the escalating geopolitical tensions, Merz has indicated a new chapter in Germany-Russia relations, suggesting a continuation of arms deliveries to Ukraine, provided Russia agrees to a ceasefire and peace talks. "If this does not happen, we will not hesitate to increase the sanctions pressure together with our European partners and the United States of America," Merz stated.
Sources:
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/norway-pledges-500-million-ukraine-security-2022-05-06/
[2] https://www.ft.com/content/de59eea6-eda3-4cdc-8d84-c5e4be9dfc4c
[3] https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/28/world/europe/putin-ukraine-russia-conflict.html
[4] https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-nato-biden-summit-next-steps/
[5] https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-launches-overseas-military-recruitment-drive-with-20k-bonus/a-61952097
- The ongoing protests in Slovakia against Prime Minister Robert Fico's trip to Moscow are a testament to the community's disapproval of his pro-Russian stance, as expressed in the call, "May 9th is Europe's day, but Robert Fico spends it with a war criminal."
- In response to alleged espionage activities, Ukraine expelled two Hungarian diplomats, leading to reciprocal diplomatic expulsions and further straining the relationship between the two countries.
- In contrast to the geopolitical tensions, Germany is open to continuing arms deliveries to Ukraine if Russia agrees to a ceasefire and peace talks, with the threat of increased sanctions if such action is not taken.
- As the Ukraine war continues, the Nordic countries have extended an invitation to Ukraine to participate in military exercises with the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), a move aimed at strengthening European defense.
