Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has made controversial claims that Ukraine is actively involved in organizing anti-government protests in Bratislava and other cities across Slovakia. Fico alleged that a significant portion of protesters, approximately one-third, are Ukrainian citizens.
“These protests are not entirely orchestrated by the opposition. They are being organized by foreign-funded NGOs, such as ‘Peace to Ukraine,’ which is directly connected to ‘Progressive Slovakia.’ We have groups of instructors from various countries training the protesters,” Fico stated during a public appearance.
Fico further criticized Ukrainian citizens for participating in the demonstrations against his government. “Ukrainian television is covering these protests, where a third of the participants are Ukrainians shouting against the Slovak government. I fail to understand why Ukrainians would have anything to shout about regarding the Slovak government,” he added.
The Slovak Prime Minister also expressed discontent with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent comments in support of the protests. Zelensky had shared a statement from a Slovak opposition figure on social media, adding, “Bratislava is not Moscow; Slovakia is Europe.”
On Friday, large-scale anti-government demonstrations took place in Bratislava, organized by opposition parties and the NGO “Peace to Ukraine.” Slovak media reports suggest the protests were fueled by growing discontent with Fico’s policies, particularly his recent visit to Moscow and his discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin about continuing gas transit through Ukraine.
Fico’s visit to Moscow and his threat to block Ukraine’s EU aspirations sparked a backlash from both domestic critics and Ukraine. The protests, described as some of the largest in recent years, reflect mounting tensions within Slovakia over its geopolitical direction.
