German Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly criticized Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's trip to Moscow for the May 9 events. Fico became the only representative of EU countries to visit the Russian capital during the military parade.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that he regrets the visit of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to Moscow during the events dedicated to May 9.
Merz made this statement at a press conference in Stockholm alongside Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
“Robert Fico knows that we have disagreements. I regret this very much, and we will talk to him about this day in Moscow,” said the head of the German government.
Fico was the only leader from an EU country to visit Moscow during the military parade on Red Square.
Although the Slovak Prime Minister did not participate directly in the parade, the day before he laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Kremlin wall.
On Saturday, Fico also met with Vladimir Putin.
The trip has caused significant resonance in Europe amid the ongoing war of Russia against Ukraine and the overall stance of most EU countries towards the political isolation of the Kremlin.
For Brussels, such visits are now perceived not just as diplomatic contacts, but as a political signal within the European Union itself.
Robert Fico has previously taken a more cautious and critical stance on issues of military aid to Ukraine and anti-Russian sanctions, which regularly sparked disputes with several European partners.
Merz's statement shows that serious disagreements remain within the EU regarding relations with Moscow and symbolic gestures related to Russia.
At the same time, no official sanctions or measures against Slovakia from the European Union are being discussed.
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