**Thousands Protest Slovak PM’s Pro-Russian Stance**
Thousands of Slovaks took to the streets on Friday to protest Prime Minister Robert Fico’s recent foreign policy decisions. The demonstrations were sparked by Fico’s increasingly pro-Russian stance and criticism of Ukraine.
Fico has been under fire for threatening to cut electricity supplies to Ukraine and reduce support for Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia. He made these threats after Ukraine decided to stop Russian gas transit through its territory starting in 2025. This move will significantly impact Slovakia, which heavily relies on Russian gas transported via Ukraine.
**Protesters Take a Stand**
Around 4,000 protesters gathered in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, to express their discontent with Fico’s policies. They waved Slovak and European Union flags while the European anthem played. Organizers emphasized that it was “our anthem too.”
“I will not allow this country to fall under Russian political influence,” protester Lucia Štasselova told the crowd. She referenced the 1968 occupation of Slovakia by Soviet forces, which had a profound impact on her family.
**”We Are Not a Russian Rag”**
The protesters chanted slogans such as “We are not a Russian rag” and carried signs warning “Slovakia, watch out, the occupation has begun.” The demonstration concluded with participants singing the 1993 version of the Slovak national anthem.
Fico’s recent actions have been met with criticism from Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They noted that Fico and Russian President Vladimir Putin are now threatening Ukraine’s electricity supply during winter.
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