Zelenskyy faces heavy criticism from Fico over security preparations for Moscow's Victory Day celebration
Breaking: *Fico lambasts Zelensky over 'anti-Ukrainian' statements on Russia's Victory Day.*
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has hit back at President Volodymyr Zelensky, following the latter's warning to foreign delegations about attending Russia's Victory Day parade.
Zelensky, on May 3, expressed doubts about the safety of foreign officials planning to attend the parade taking place in Moscow on May 9, raising the possibility of provocations from Russia, and potentially blaming Ukraine. He emphasized that Russia, not Ukraine, was responsible for ensuring the safety of participants on its own territory.
Fico, however, dismissed Zelensky's claims as "threats" for security reasons on May 4. He expressed respect for Russia's contribution to the victory over fascism in World War II and deemed it disrespectful for anyone to suggest Russia might face attacks during the celebration.
"If Mr. Zelensky believes his statements will deter foreign delegations from attending, he is deeply mistaken," Fico declared.
Interestingly, Jonathan Brunstedt, an assistant professor of history at Texas A&M University, noted that Russia often highlights its sole achievement in World War II, disregarding the multinational efforts.
Zelensky, speaking on May 3, stated, "We will not provide any guarantees, because we do not know what Russia might do on those dates."
Fico's pro-Putin stance remains evident as he plans to attend Russia's Victory Day celebrations amid ongoing conflicts with Ukraine.
Russia honors the end of World War II on May 9 with grandiose military parades. In contrast, Ukraine and most European nations observe May 8 as the Victory in Europe Day.
In attempt to counter Russia's event, Ukraine has invited senior EU leaders and officials to Kyiv on May 9. Kaja Kallas, the EU's top diplomat, issued a warning on April 15, advising European leaders to reconsider participating in the Moscow-based celebrations due to Russia's ongoing war in Europe. Tensions escalated further when Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic confirmed his intent to join Putin's May 9 Victory Parade, despite mounting pressure from the EU.
However, it appears that only Fico and Vucic will be representing EU-adjacent leaders at Russia's parade, with limited international solidarity evident. As tensions soar, no notable Western condemnation of Fico's plans has been reported. The impending parade, under increased security measures due to heightened war-time concerns, raises the specter of potential escalations.
- Despite President Volodymyr Zelensky's warning about potential security risks at Russia's Victory Day parade, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico dismissed Zelensky's claims and will attend the parade, expressing respect for Russia's contribution to the victory over fascism in World War II.
- Jonathan Brunstedt, an assistant professor of history at Texas A&M University, has noted that Russia often highlights its sole achievement in World War II, disregarding the multinational efforts in the victory.
- In an attempt to counter Russia's event, Ukraine has invited senior EU leaders and officials to Kyiv on May 9, with Kaja Kallas, the EU's top diplomat, advising European leaders to reconsider participating in Moscow's Victory Day celebrations due to ongoing war conflicts in Europe.
- Fico's pro-Putin stance and attendance at Russia's Victory Day parade, along with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, suggests a lack of unity in policy and legislation against ongoing war-and-conflicts particularly in politics, as evident in the general news coverage of the events.
