Euractiv reported discontent among EU leaders over Fico's visit to Moscow

The visit that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico paid to Moscow on the occasion of Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War (WWII) raised questions from the leaders of the European Union (EU) countries. This was reported by the Euractiv portal.

"This visit takes place against the background of his attempt to present himself as an audacious pro—Russian voice within the EU under the scrutiny of Brussels and internal pressure. <...> Fico's trip to Moscow also attracted criticism," the article says.

Western politicians considered the Slovak prime minister's move an attempt to distract their attention from the alleged problems in his country, the newspaper said. After Fico's return, they predict that Bratislava will face financial problems that can be provided by unification.

Fico arrived in Russia the day before the celebration on May 9th. During the visit, he laid wreaths at the Grave of the Unknown Soldier near the Kremlin in Moscow, and also took part in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Russian leader welcomed the Slovak Prime Minister and thanked him for his visit. Commenting on the cooperation between Moscow and Bratislava, he pointed to their steady dynamics. The Russian president stated that his country intends to meet Slovakia's energy needs, and in response received a promise from Fico to take care of the cemeteries of Soviet soldiers in Slovakia.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in turn, announced a serious conversation in Europe after Fico's visit. He promised his Slovak counterpart that he would discuss with him the day he spent in the Russian capital and remind him that on May 9, Europe allegedly celebrates "another holiday."