Slovakia's populist Prime Minister Robert Fico reacted angrily and called "inappropriate" the statements of the EU's high representative for foreign policy, who warned European leaders not to go to Moscow to celebrate the victory over fascism in World War II.
Known for his pro-Russian views, Fico has repeatedly said that he will attend the military parade in the Russian capital on May 9, which will mark the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
EU High Representative Kaja Kalas told reporters in Luxembourg yesterday after a meeting of EU foreign ministers that various member states had made it very clear that any participation in the May 9 parades or celebrations in Moscow would not be taken lightly by the European side, given that Russia is waging an all-out war in Europe.
Kalas also said that they have made it clear that they do not want any candidate country to participate in the events on May 9 in Moscow and called on member states to send their representatives to Kiev to show solidarity with Ukraine.
"I will go to Moscow on May 9," Fico said in a statement.
"Ms. Kalas, I would like to inform you that I am the legitimate Prime Minister of Slovakia, a sovereign country. No one can order me where to go or where not to go," he wrote.
Fico said and added that he would go to Moscow to pay tribute to the Red Army soldiers who liberated his country and other victims of the Nazis.
The AP points out that the Kremlin uses its annual Victory Day celebrations to showcase battlefield prowess, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine as heroes at last year's celebration.
AP reports that Fico's stance on Russia's war in Ukraine differs from most other European leaders. He won parliamentary elections last year on a pro-Russian, anti-American platform, AP writes, adding that since then, Fico has cut off military aid to Ukraine, condemned EU sanctions on Russia and said he would block Ukraine's entry into NATO.
Unlike many Western politicians, Fico has not yet visited Kiev since the start of the Russian invasion more than three years ago, AP reminds.
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