Tens of thousands of people have protested across Slovakia under the slogan "Slovakia is Europe," against Prime Minister Robert Fico's stance on Russia.

Protesters accuse the left-wing nationalist prime minister of taking a pro-Russian stance and failing to show solidarity with Ukraine.

Tonight's peaceful protests were called by various opposition groups and the "Peace for Ukraine" civic initiative, which advocates for stronger military support for the neighboring country.

Protesters demanded Fico's resignation and insisted that any cooperation with Russia be immediately terminated.

They accused the prime minister of collaborating with autocrats and trying to turn Slovakia into an autocracy.

Fico and other members of the Slovak government recently traveled to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey.

In December, Fico met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, which caused particular outrage. The government justified these trips by claiming that their diplomatic efforts ensured a continuous supply of gas to the country.

Slovak society is becoming increasingly polarized, and Fico's opponents claim that he plans to withdraw the country from the European Union and NATO.

The government rejected the claims and accused the protest movement of disregarding the democratic election results and plotting a coup.

Since Fico's return to power in autumn 2023, Slovakia has not supplied weapons to neighboring Ukraine from its military reserves. However, unlike Hungary, it has so far agreed to all EU resolutions against Russia and in support of Ukraine.

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