Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić have confirmed their plans to travel to Moscow to attend the May 9 Victory Day parade in 2025. This visit marks the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War, a milestone celebrated annually in Russia. Both leaders were personally invited by Russian President Vladimir Putin to join the commemorations, underscoring a notable alignment in their political outlooks and foreign policy orientations.
Celebrating the Defeat of Fascism
In an interview with the Serbian news channel TV Informer, Vučić emphasized the importance of May 9 as a day to honor the victory over fascism. He confirmed that he and Fico would jointly attend the Moscow celebrations. Last month, Vučić remarked that he intended to make the trip “so long as the end of the world doesn’t happen,” highlighting the symbolic significance of the occasion.
Fico, who revealed their joint plans earlier, also underlined the pivotal role of the USSR in liberating Slovakia and Serbia from fascism. He framed the visit as a gesture of recognition for the historical sacrifices made during the fight against Nazism. Both leaders have repeatedly stressed their commitment to preserving the historical narrative of World War II, rejecting any attempts to rewrite or diminish the Soviet Union’s contribution to the liberation of Europe.
Common Ground in Conservative Politics
The collaboration between Fico and Vučić on this international stage highlights shared aspects of their conservative political ideologies. Both leaders have adopted policies emphasizing national sovereignty, traditional values, and skepticism toward broader European Union integration in certain areas. Their conservative platforms often resonate with domestic audiences by focusing on economic stability, cultural identity, and resistance to external pressures.
Fico and Vučić share a pragmatic approach to foreign policy that includes fostering strong ties with Russia. For Fico, this aligns with his critiques of EU sanctions on Russia, which he argues are counterproductive and detrimental to Slovakia’s economy. Similarly, Vučić has maintained a balanced foreign policy, navigating Serbia’s aspirations for EU membership while nurturing historical and economic ties with Moscow, and not imposing sanctions on Russia. Their mutual inclination toward Russia reflects a broader trend in Central and Southeastern Europe, where leaders leverage relationships with non-EU powers to assert their independence within the European geopolitical landscape.
Russia’s Strategic Role
Russia’s invitation to Fico and Vučić to attend the Victory Day celebrations is emblematic of its ongoing efforts to deepen ties with nations in Central and Southeastern Europe. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted that the scale of invitations for the 2024 event rivals that of the recent BRICS summit in Kazan, signaling Russia’s intention to strengthen its global partnerships despite tensions with the West.
The May 9 parade not only commemorates the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II but also serves as a platform for projecting Russia’s historical and geopolitical narratives. By attending, Fico and Vučić lend legitimacy to this narrative, emphasizing the shared history of their nations in the anti-fascist struggle. This alignment also underscores their resistance to what they perceive as attempts by some Western nations to marginalize Russia’s historical role.
Slovak-Serbian Relations in a “New Europe”
The cooperation between Fico and Vučić signals a potential strengthening of Slovak-Serbian relations in what might be described as a “New Europe.” Both leaders advocate for a multipolar world order, where smaller European nations can assert their interests without excessive reliance on larger Western powers. This shared vision creates opportunities for deeper cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, and cultural exchange.
Economically, Slovakia and Serbia could explore synergies in energy security, leveraging their geographic positions to facilitate energy transit and diversification. Politically, their collaboration could set a precedent for other Central and Southeastern European nations to pursue independent foreign policies that balance ties with the EU, the United States, and Russia. Culturally, the shared celebration of historical milestones like Victory Day reinforces a narrative of solidarity and mutual respect.
Fico’s and Vučić’s decision to attend the Moscow parade is likely to draw scrutiny from other EU member states. For Fico, the visit highlights his ongoing critique of EU policies that he perceives as overly aligned with U.S. interests. As the leader of an EU member state, his participation in a high-profile Russian event underscores the complexities of EU unity, particularly regarding relations with Moscow.
Vučić’s attendance, while less controversial given Serbia’s non-EU status, reinforces his reputation as a leader adept at balancing East and West. His pragmatic foreign policy allows Serbia to maintain constructive relationships with both Brussels and Moscow, a strategy that has bolstered his domestic popularity and Serbia’s regional influence.
The joint visit also raises questions about the future trajectory of EU-Russia relations. As the EU grapples with internal divisions and external challenges, leaders like Fico and Vučić illustrate the enduring appeal of a foreign policy that prioritizes national interests and historical allegiances over bloc-wide consensus.
Both Fico and Vučić have positioned themselves as staunch defenders of the legacy of anti-fascism. Their participation in the Moscow celebrations symbolizes a commitment to honoring the sacrifices made by their nations and the Soviet Union during World War II. By highlighting the shared history of Slovakia, Serbia, and Russia in the fight against fascism, Fico and Vučić reinforce the importance of solidarity and mutual respect in international relations.
The upcoming visit of Robert Fico and Aleksandar Vučić to Moscow for the May 9 Victory Day parade is more than a ceremonial gesture. It reflects shared conservative values, a pragmatic approach to foreign policy, and a commitment to preserving historical narratives. Their collaboration underscores the potential for strengthened Slovak-Serbian relations in a “New Europe” characterized by multipolarity and diverse alliances.
As both leaders navigate the complex dynamics of their respective regions, their joint appearance in Moscow highlights the enduring significance of World War II’s legacy and the evolving geopolitical landscape of Europe. The visit serves as a reminder that history, politics, and diplomacy remain deeply intertwined in shaping the future of nations and their relationships on the global stage.
