Speaking at a cemetery in eastern Slovakia where he laid wreaths on the graves of some 17,000 Soviet soldiers, Fico said Brussels’ plan to “permanently stop any flow of energy from the Russian Federation to Europe” amounted to an unprecedented division.
“This is an Iron Curtain with tremendous economic repercussions for the whole European Union,” he said on Tuesday.
Fico highlighted the absence of direct flights to Russia as evidence of the emerging barrier.
“When I flew to Moscow in December, I had to route through Turkey, and I returned via Kosice. That is the Iron Curtain in action,” he said.
He added that Slovakia rejects this new division and announced a plan to travel to Moscow for Victory Day commemorations on May 9 to present what he called the “historical truth.”
“We must attend such events and tell the accurate history,” he said, arguing that a tribute to Soviet soldiers “has nothing to do with current events.”
Reflecting on World War II’s legacy, Fico said neutrality was not an option. “You either stand with the victors or with the fascists,” he said.
After the ceremony in Michalovce, Slovak media reported that Poland had granted overflight permission for Fico’s government aircraft to Moscow once Bratislava completed the necessary formalities.
On Tuesday, the European Commission floated its 17th sanctions package against Russia to EU member states.
The package is expected to expand the EU’s blacklist, adding more individuals, companies, and institutions facing asset freezes and travel bans.
Additional vessels from the so-called "shadow fleet" - used to transport Russian oil above price caps in violation of international sanctions - are also likely to be sanctioned.
(jh/gs)
Source: PAP, IAR