Slovakia’s PM Fico Calls Himself EU ‘Black Sheep’ During Moscow Visit

During a controversial visit to Moscow for the May 9 Victory Day parade, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico described himself as the European Union’s “black sheep” for rejecting a single “mandatory opinion” on the war. Fico, who met with Vladimir Putin to deliver messages from European politicians, advocated for negotiations as the primary path to ending the conflict. His trip follows a scaled-down parade where the Kremlin revoked accreditation for most foreign media and hosted only a handful of international leaders. Make us preferred on Google Flip Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico speaks to journalists after a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by the Kremlin Wall in Moscow on May 8, 2026. (Photo by Shamil Zhumatov / POOL / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has defended his decision to visit the Russian capital for Victory Day commemorations, labeling himself a “black sheep” for defying the European Union’s unified stance against the Kremlin. Speaking in Moscow on Friday, May 8, Fico addressed the diplomatic friction caused by his trip. “In the European Union , there is always some black sheep. So I belong to this flock,” Fico said, according to Denník N . Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . “I say this everywhere… I am against any one mandatory opinion.” After laying flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier near the Kremlin, Fico noted that he intended to ask Vladimir Putin several questions and deliver “certain messages” from other European politicians. He added that “many people were interested” in his journey to the Russian capital. Fico, a longtime opponent of military aid to Ukraine, emphasized his support for dialogue and negotiations as the primary way to end the war. He expressed hope that the conflict is nearing its conclusion and stated his support for any form of ceasefire. Fico’s presence in Moscow comes as the Kremlin tightened control over the May 9 celebrations . In a move unprecedented in recent years, Russian authorities revoked the accreditation of major foreign media outlets , including AFP, Sky News, and the BBC, leaving coverage almost exclusively to Russian state media. Other Topics of Interest Unprecedented Wartime Decree: Kyiv Permits Moscow’s Victory Day Parade Zelensky’s Red Square decree shows how the war’s symbolism has shifted: Moscow’s most sacred military spectacle now depends not on Kremlin strength, but on Ukrainian restraint and US mediation. The 2026 parade on Red Square is expected to be a significantly diminished affair. The event is expected to feature only marching units, without the traditional display of heavy military hardware. Attendance has dwindled compared to previous years. Alongside Fico, only Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko , the King of Malaysia, and the President of Laos are among the few foreign heads of state expected. At least 15 Russian regions and occupied Crimea have canceled their own parades due to security concerns, while Moscow residents have been warned of potential mobile internet and SMS outages. Fico’s trip faced immediate pushback from neighbors. Poland and the Baltic states refused to let his aircraft enter their airspace, forcing the prime minister to fly through the Czech Republic . However, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski suggested that Warsaw might “forgive” the visit if Fico stops blocking critical EU aid to Kyiv. “If he unblocks aid to Ukraine but also goes to Russia, maybe we can forgive him,” Sikorski said, referring to a crucial €90 billion loan package currently being debated. Just days earlier, Fico met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Yerevan , where he reportedly assured the Ukrainian leader that Bratislava would not stand in the way of Kyiv’s EU membership bid. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.