Full Breakdown
Robert Fico Confirms Attendance at Moscow's Victory Day Parade
5/1/2026, 6:08:31 PM
Fico’s Confirmed Participation in Victory Day Parade
Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yury Ushakov told media on 29 April 2026 that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico will attend Moscow’s Victory Day parade next week, marking the 81st anniversary of the Soviet victory in World II. Ushakov’s confirmation follows Slovak reports that had suggested Fico might limit his visit to laying flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
European Leaders’ Warm Ties with Moscow
Fico joins a small group of European leaders—most prominently outgoing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán—who have maintained relatively warm ties with Moscow since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He also attended the 2025 Victory Day parade despite warnings from Brussels officials, showing his willingness to engage with Russia on high-profile commemorations.
Principal Actors
The principal actors are Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yury Ushakov, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Chronology of Developments
2025 – Fico attends the Moscow Victory Day parade despite EU cautions. Early April 2026 – Slovak media suggest he may only lay flowers. 29 April 2026 – Ushakov confirms his participation. Mid-April 2026 – Poland receives Slovakia’s request for air-space transit; Sikorski says the issue is resolved.
Parade Format and Air-Space Request
The 2026 parade on Red Square will omit military vehicles, a move the Russian Defense Ministry says is due to security concerns. The Defense Ministry announced the vehicle omission on Tuesday. Poland was asked to permit Slovak aircraft to cross its airspace en route to Moscow; the Polish foreign ministry said the issue was settled but did not confirm permission.
Official Statements & Responses
Ushakov affirmed Fico’s attendance, confirming his participation and noting that other foreign leaders will be present, without naming them. Sikorski said the air-space request was resolved, but gave no details on the decision.
EU Criticism of High-Level Participation
Brussels officials warned against high-level participation in Russian military commemorations, a stance highlighted by Fico’s 2025 attendance. The criticism reflects EU concerns about legitimizing Russia through diplomatic engagement.
Conflicting Reports and Information Gaps
Early Slovak reports said Fico would only lay flowers, a narrative later contradicted by Ushakov’s confirmation of full parade attendance. No details have been released on other foreign dignitaries attending, and Poland’s exact decision on air-space clearance remains undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
> “Fico is mentioned a lot, so I can confirm Fico,” — Yury Ushakov, Kremlin foreign policy adviser
What’s Next
The Victory Day parade is set for 9 May 2026. Observers will monitor further EU diplomatic statements, clarification on Poland’s air-space decision, and any announcements of additional foreign leaders joining the Kremlin’s platform.
