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EU Tensions Rise After Slovak PM Attends Moscow Victory Day Event
(MENAFN) A diplomatic dispute has emerged within the European Union after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico for attending Victory Day commemorations in Moscow.
Merz expressed regret over Fico’s visit, stating that the trip did not align with what he described as the EU’s “common view.” Speaking at a press briefing in Stockholm, he added that discussions would be held with Fico regarding his participation in the Moscow event. He also contrasted the occasion with Europe Day celebrations, saying, “We are celebrating Europe Day here in Stockholm today. And this is something completely different.”
In response, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova strongly rejected the criticism, arguing that Europe’s postwar existence was only possible due to the Soviet Union’s role in defeating Nazi Germany. She stated that “There would be no Europe Day without the victory of the Soviet people. There would only be one vast concentration camp with gas chambers,” while also accusing European nations of distorting historical memory.
Zakharova further claimed that European countries repeatedly reshape political narratives despite their historical foundations, using sharply critical language toward EU policies.
Fico, who has frequently challenged EU positions on Russia, including sanctions and military assistance to Ukraine, was the only European Union leader to attend the Moscow Victory Day events in person this year.
Despite reported restrictions from Baltic states limiting airspace access, Fico proceeded with his visit, stating that such measures would not prevent him from honoring those he says contributed to Slovakia’s liberation from Nazi occupation.
Merz expressed regret over Fico’s visit, stating that the trip did not align with what he described as the EU’s “common view.” Speaking at a press briefing in Stockholm, he added that discussions would be held with Fico regarding his participation in the Moscow event. He also contrasted the occasion with Europe Day celebrations, saying, “We are celebrating Europe Day here in Stockholm today. And this is something completely different.”
In response, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova strongly rejected the criticism, arguing that Europe’s postwar existence was only possible due to the Soviet Union’s role in defeating Nazi Germany. She stated that “There would be no Europe Day without the victory of the Soviet people. There would only be one vast concentration camp with gas chambers,” while also accusing European nations of distorting historical memory.
Zakharova further claimed that European countries repeatedly reshape political narratives despite their historical foundations, using sharply critical language toward EU policies.
Fico, who has frequently challenged EU positions on Russia, including sanctions and military assistance to Ukraine, was the only European Union leader to attend the Moscow Victory Day events in person this year.
Despite reported restrictions from Baltic states limiting airspace access, Fico proceeded with his visit, stating that such measures would not prevent him from honoring those he says contributed to Slovakia’s liberation from Nazi occupation.
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