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"Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Moscow on Saturday following Victory Day commemorations. Fico’s route to Moscow was fraught with challenges after Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland refused overflight clearance for his aircraft. The Czech Republic granted permission, allowing the Slovak delegation to travel via a longer route to Russia. “I know there were certain difficulties with your arrival to Moscow as it was last time. You just briefly told me that this time it was a little bit easier. But it doesn't matter. What matters is that you are here, and we are very grateful to you for this," Putin said. "We respect your unwavering position on the preservation of historical truth about the events of World War II, about the role of the Red Army in liberating Europe from Nazism. I would like to note that Slovak fighters with German fascist troops also contributed to the great victory,” he added. Fico thanked Russia for its hospitality and defended what he called Slovakia’s sovereign foreign policy. “Dear Mr President, history unilaterally connects us. I refuse to distort historical facts and I refuse to abandon the idea of the sovereign Slovak foreign policy, which is oriented towards everyone who is interested in normal, standard and friendly relations with the Slovak Republic,” he said. Fico also noted the Slovaks' respect for monuments to the Red Army, including a memorial in Michalovce, and his readiness to commit to the Moscow-Bratislava joint work. This year marks the 81st anniversary of Victory Day, commemorating Nazi Germany’s surrender to Allied forces in 1945. Victory Day is observed in Russia and several other former Soviet states on May 9. Victory in Europe Day is marked in many Western countries on May 8, reflecting the time difference when Germany’s surrender came into effect. The Kremlin said this year's iconic military parade on Red Square was downsized over the 'terrorist threat' from Ukraine, while the Defence Ministry warned of a "massive retaliatory strike on Kiev" in the event of any attempt to disrupt celebrations. On Friday, US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine running from May 9 to 11, with a prisoner exchange of 1,000 per side. Moscow and Kiev both supported the initiative."
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