Slovakia Erupts in Protests Over Prime Minister’s Pro-Russia Policies

Demonstrators across Slovakia criticize Robert Fico’s alignment with Moscow, including his recent meeting with Vladimir Putin and threats against Ukraine.

Thousands protested in Bratislava and other cities, accusing Prime Minister Robert Fico of aligning Slovakia with Russia against EU and NATO values.
Fico's December meeting with Vladimir Putin, one of the few by an EU leader since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, drew widespread condemnation.
Protesters object to Fico's threats to cut humanitarian aid, refugee support, and electricity supplies to Ukraine following a gas transit dispute.
Fico defended his Moscow visit by citing Slovakia's economic losses from Ukraine's decision to end Russian gas transit through its territory.
Organizers of the protests, including the Peace for Ukraine initiative, vowed to continue demonstrations, emphasizing Slovakia's place in Europe, not Russia.