Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has recently revealed that he may have faced a second assassination attempt due to his views on the Ukraine conflict. This comes just months after he survived a shooting in May, where he was shot at close range by an activist opposed to his stance on Ukraine.
In a recent interview with a Bratislava-based news outlet, Fico disclosed that an armed man was detained at a public event commemorating a World War II battle in eastern Slovakia earlier this month. The event was held on October 6 to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Dukla Pass, which involved German and Soviet forces.
Fico explained that the suspect harbored a strong dislike for him because of his beliefs about Ukraine. When the man passed through a metal detector at the event, security found a fully loaded weapon on him. This alarming incident raised serious concerns about the Prime Minister’s safety.
The Prime Minister has been a vocal critic of the European Union’s policy of supplying weapons to Ukraine. Instead, he advocates for a peaceful diplomatic solution to the ongoing conflict. Fico’s comments have stirred controversy, especially since he was shot in May by a man who, according to Slovakia’s Special Criminal Court, was motivated by Fico’s refusal to send arms to Ukraine.
Reflecting on his near-death experience, Fico said, “I was lucky.” He described the shooter, Juraj Cintula, as a political activist who had previously attended Fico’s public meetings, possibly plotting the attack. Following the shooting, Fico suggested that his assassination attempt was influenced by foreign-backed politicians who disagree with his government’s approach, which prioritizes Slovakia’s interests over the agendas of larger Western powers.
The ongoing tension surrounding the Ukraine conflict continues to put Fico in the spotlight, raising questions about the safety of leaders who challenge popular opinions and political pressures. His experiences reveal not just a personal struggle for survival, but also the broader implications of political disagreements in a time of crisis. As Slovakia grapples with these challenges, Fico remains determined to stand by his beliefs, even in the face of danger.
