With Fico to Moscow will travel Gašpar, Glück clueless for now

Prime Minister Robert Fico's intention to travel to Moscow for the May 9th Victory Day celebrations, accompanied by Deputy Parliament Speaker Tibor Gašpar, signals a continued engagement with Russia despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Fico's announcement, made via the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti—an outlet often scrutinized for its role in disseminating Kremlin narratives—underscores a distinct Slovak foreign policy stance that diverges from many Western European nations.

This planned visit places Slovakia in a unique position, particularly given the sensitive context of Russia's war in Ukraine. While many European leaders have curtailed or ceased high-level engagement with Moscow, Fico's decision to attend a significant Russian state event highlights a commitment to maintaining dialogue, or at least a symbolic presence, with Russia. The participation of Tibor Gašpar, a figure associated with the Smer party, further emphasizes the government's approach to its relationship with Moscow.

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As the Deputy Chairman of the National Council, I also plan to attend the official delegation at the May celebrations.

The lack of transparency regarding the full delegation, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remaining tight-lipped about Minister Juraj Blanár's potential attendance, adds another layer to this diplomatic maneuver. The Slovak government's approach to communicating about such high-profile international travel appears to be carefully managed, with details often emerging through indirect channels or official statements that provide limited specifics.

From a Slovak perspective, attending the Victory Day celebrations can be viewed through the lens of historical remembrance and a desire to acknowledge the Soviet Union's role in liberating Czechoslovakia from Nazi Germany during World War II. However, in the current geopolitical climate, such participation is inevitably interpreted through the prism of the war in Ukraine, raising questions about the message Slovakia intends to send on the international stage. The government's decision reflects a complex balancing act between historical commemoration, national interests, and the prevailing international consensus on Russia.

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It depends on the program that will be available at that time and on the capacity that this official trip will have.