In a notable diplomatic engagement, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico arrived in Moscow on the evening of May 8, 2025, amidst significant geopolitical tensions. His journey was notably complicated by the Baltic countries' decision to prohibit his plane from crossing their airspace, which forced him to take a longer southern route through Hungary, Romania, the Black Sea, and Georgia before landing in Russia.
According to EuroPravda, referencing Denník N, Fico's flight was expected to land in Moscow at 20:26 Central European Time, taking approximately five hours—nearly double the usual flight time of two and a half hours from Bratislava to the Russian capital. The Slovak Prime Minister expressed frustration over the restrictions imposed by Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, which prevented him from attending scheduled events in Moscow on the evening of May 8.
Fico's arrival coincided with a significant event, as he was set to meet with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, marking their first face-to-face meeting in a while. The two leaders expressed their gratitude for their "brotherhood" during a dinner hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who had gathered foreign leaders to commemorate the end of World War II. In a post on Instagram, Vucic stated, "Serbs and Slovaks are brothers forever," highlighting the historical ties between the two nations.
The meeting took place amid a backdrop of strained relations between Russia and the West, particularly in light of the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and other geopolitical tensions. Fico and Vucic became the only European leaders to attend the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, a notable distinction as many other European leaders declined invitations to the event, reflecting the current geopolitical climate.
On May 9, Vucic is scheduled to discuss crucial topics with Putin, including the supply of Russian gas, a matter of significant importance for both Serbia and Slovakia. The discussions are expected to revolve around energy security and the ongoing energy crisis in Europe, exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine.
Additionally, Vucic is slated to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during his visit, indicating Serbia's growing ties with China amidst Western sanctions against Russia. This development is particularly noteworthy as it underscores the shifting alliances and diplomatic strategies in the region.
While Fico's official program does not include participation in the military parade on Red Square, his presence in Moscow signifies a willingness to engage with Russia at a time when many Western leaders are distancing themselves from the Kremlin. Notably, Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev declined an invitation to attend the celebrations, likely due to his strained personal relationship with Putin. Similarly, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's absence was attributed to health concerns.
The Victory Day celebrations, which commemorate the defeat of Nazi Germany, have historically been a platform for Russia to showcase its military might and reinforce its narrative of historical resilience. However, this year’s event is marred by international criticism and calls for accountability regarding Russia's actions in Ukraine.
As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the meetings between Fico and Vucic with Putin may have significant implications for regional dynamics and energy policies. The discussions surrounding Russian gas supply are particularly pressing, given the ongoing energy crisis in Europe, which has been exacerbated by the war in Ukraine.
In conclusion, Fico's visit to Moscow, marked by logistical challenges and strategic discussions, highlights the complexities of international relations in a time of crisis. The interactions between these leaders could shape future energy policies and diplomatic relations in the region as they navigate the turbulent waters of current geopolitical tensions.
