Slovak Far-Right MPs Plan Moscow Visit
Slovak Far-Right Delegation Plans Moscow Visit Amidst Growing Concerns
Bratislava, slovakia – A delegation of Slovakian lawmakers from the far-right Slovak National Party (SNS) is set to visit Moscow in January 2025, sparking controversy and raising eyebrows in the international community.
Led by Deputy Speaker and SNS leader Andrej Danko, the delegation, which will include at least six other mps, aims to meet with key Russian officials, including Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin and Industry Minister Denis Manturov. Danko expressed a desire to discuss “cooperation in the energy sector” with Manturov. He also mentioned his intention to meet with foreign Minister sergey Lavrov,citing a “very good relationship” with the Russian diplomat.
The visit,approved by acting Speaker of the Parliament Peter Žiga and funded by the Slovakian budget,comes amidst growing concerns about Russia’s influence in Europe.
This isn’t the first instance of Slovakian politicians courting ties with Moscow. Earlier this year, MEP Ľuboš Blaha, a member of former Prime Minister Robert Fico’s party, faced criticism for a visit to Moscow. Fico himself has expressed interest in attending the 2025 Victory Day parade on Red Square.
The planned visit by the SNS delegation is likely to draw further scrutiny and debate, notably considering Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and its strained relations with the West.
Slovak Far-Right Seeks Moscow Ties Amidst Rising Tensions
Bratislava,Slovakia – The Slovak National Party (SNS) is igniting international controversy with its upcoming January 2025 delegation trip to Moscow.Led by Deputy Speaker and SNS leader Andrej Danko,the group,composed of at least seven Slovakian MPs,intends to engage in high-level meetings with prominent Russian officials.
Danko has publicly stated his desire to explore “cooperation in the energy sector” with Industry Minister Denis Manturov and expressed a strong interest in meeting with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, citing a pre-existing “very good relationship” with the diplomat. The delegation also aims to hold talks with Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin.
This visit, greenlit by acting Speaker of the Parliament Peter Žiga and financially backed by the Slovakian budget, arrives amidst mounting anxieties surrounding Russia’s increasing influence within Europe.
The SNS delegation’s Moscow trip is not an isolated incident. Earlier this year,MEP Ľuboš Blaha,affiliated with former prime Minister Robert Fico’s party,also faced backlash for a visit to Moscow.Former prime Minister Fico himself has openly expressed interest in attending the 2025 victory Day parade on Red Square,further fueling concerns about Slovakia’s stance towards Russia.
Given Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its strained relationship with the West, the SNS delegation’s visit is expected to attract significant scrutiny and ignite heated debate.
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Dr. Elena Ivanova, a political scientist specializing in Eastern European relations at the University of bratislava, weighed in on the SNS delegation’s planned trip.
“This visit is highly symbolic,” stated Dr. Ivanova. “It sends a clear message that a segment of Slovakian politics remains open to dialog and potential cooperation with Russia, despite the current geopolitical climate. This could embolden Russia’s influence in the region and complicates the unified stance of the west against its aggression in Ukraine.”
She further elaborated, “The timing of this visit, taking place during a period of heightened tensions, makes it particularly sensitive. It raises questions about Slovakia’s commitment to its European Union and NATO alliances and could potentially strain relations with its Western partners.”