Slovak PM Fico Attends WWII Victory Day Ceremony Despite Morning Cancellation

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico ultimately attended Sunday's ceremonies commemorating the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, despite announcing that morning he would not participate. The event took place at the Armed Forces Academy in Liptovský Mikuláš, where all three of Slovakia's top constitutional officials gathered. Earlier in the day, Fico had apologized for his expected absence, citing the need to urgently convene a meeting following conclusions from talks in Moscow. Fico leads Smer-SD, Slovakia's ruling social-democratic party, and his initial cancellation followed what appeared to be diplomatic consultations with Russian officials. The World War II victory commemoration is a significant annual event in Slovakia, marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in May 1945.