Slovakia
On May 16 and 17, 2025, the checkpoints "Uzhhorod – Vysne Nemecke" and "Chop – Zahony" will be temporarily suspended. The reason is the connection of backup power systems.
The EU plans to introduce higher duties on Ukrainian imports, abolishing special trade measures. The new restrictions will affect, in particular, corn, sugar, honey and poultry.
Sanctions may affect the energy, shipping and banking sectors of the Russian Federation. It all depends on the Kremlin's behavior at the summit between Ukraine and Russia.
Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the agreement of the 17th package of EU sanctions against Russia. It provides for restrictions on access to battlefield technologies and 189 vessels of the "shadow fleet".
The new package of EU sanctions, announced as "tough", reportedly does not go beyond the previous 16th. The package does not include controversial proposals amid fears of a veto by Hungary or Slovakia.
Legendary hockey player Dominik Hašek harshly condemned Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico for his visit to the parade in Moscow on May 9. He called it support for the biggest criminal of the XXI century.
Veronika Matiunina became a silver medalist in the individual event and won a bronze in doubles with a Spaniard at the European U-21 Table Tennis Championship. The competitions took place in Bratislava.
The Presidents of France and Poland criticized politicians for supporting Russia at the parade in Moscow on May 9, calling it a disgrace and a refusal to see the truth about the war in Ukraine.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine expressed a demarche to the heads of diplomatic missions of countries whose leaders were at the parade in Moscow. Presence at the parade is regarded as an unfriendly step, support for Russia's aggression.
Putin minimally mentioned the war at the parade in Moscow, expressing solidarity with the Russian military. He emphasized the importance of the unity of Russians in "military and peaceful affairs."
The President of Serbia and the Prime Minister of Slovakia held a fraternal meeting in Moscow, where they discussed important issues. Both politicians arrived on the eve of the May 9 parade, despite warnings from the EU.
Robert Fico flew to Moscow to participate in the May 9 events, despite the flight bans from Latvia and Lithuania. He changed the route to get to Russia through Hungary, Romania, the Black Sea and Georgia.
EU countries are considering redirecting €400 billion from regional aid funds to the defense industry. The funds will go to bomb shelters, military-civilian technologies and military infrastructure.
On the eve of the May 9 parade in Moscow, the President of Ukraine stated that it would be a parade of cynicism and lies.
Latvia and Lithuania did not allow Slovak Prime Minister Fico to fly to Moscow, as did Estonia. The reason is participation in the Kremlin's propaganda event on May 9, which is incompatible with EU values.
lavrov criticized EU countries for obstructing visits by European leaders to moscow on May 9. He also accused the EU of double standards regarding Ukraine and Serbia.
Robert Fico stated that a complete abandonment of Russian energy carriers would harm the competitiveness of both the EU and Slovakia. He rejected this idea at the negotiations.
Ukraine is expanding its agricultural partnership with the EU, preserving plant genetic resources and exchanging experience. Cooperation promotes food security and agricultural development.
Only 14 EU countries have formally requested increased defense spending, casting doubt on the European Commission's €800 billion ReArm Europe plan due to limited budgetary capacity.
The deployment of European forces in Ukraine without the US may lead to the collapse of NATO, according to Wolfgang Ischinger. The lack of US support will give Russia a chance for provocations.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico posted a photo on Facebook of him diving into the Danube, responding to rumors of health problems and the cancellation of his visit to Moscow.
The Embassy of Ukraine condemned Fico's anti-Ukrainian statements regarding his intention to attend the parade in Moscow on May 9. They noted that the Russian Federation is speculating on the topic of the Second World War.
EU experts warn that the large pig population in Europe could become an environment for avian influenza to mutate. This increases the risk of the virus being transmitted to humans.
Aleksandar Vučić canceled meetings and returned to Serbia after consulting with doctors in Florida. Meanwhile, Slovak Prime Minister Fico has also canceled his work schedule.
ENTSO-E has allowed Ukraine to increase electricity exports to the EU to 650 MW. This will help balance the energy system and increase profits from trade.
Against the backdrop of Russian aggression against Ukraine, 16 countries in the EU have initiated a request to activate the "exception clause". This should facilitate the transition to higher defense spending at the national level.
The leaders of Poland, Britain, France and Germany will not be in Kyiv on May 9. Meanwhile, Fico plans to be at the parade in Moscow, despite EU warnings.
A state of emergency has been declared in 55 districts of Slovakia due to brown bears. The government has involved the army to track down the predators, one bear has already been killed.
The FMBTech project with a budget of 19 million euros has officially started in the EU, bringing together 26 organizations from 13 countries to modernize tanks for modern combat conditions. The project aims to create maneuverable and intelligent tanks.
The "Slovakia - Europe" rallies against the law on NGOs were held in Slovakia. Protesters called on President Pellegrini to veto the law, which they consider pro-Russian.