Fico, planning to attend Putin’s May 9 parade, falls ill and cancels events in Slovakia — media

 Fico skipped Labor Day celebrations on May 1 and a traditional maypole ceremony in Veľké Zálužie. Illness is believed to be the reason behind the cancellations.

The report notes that this isn’t the first time Fico’s schedule has changed abruptly. In April, he canceled a press conference with the director of the Housing Rental Agency and a last-minute trip to a Student Debate Association lecture in the United Kingdom.

Fico also failed to show up for a scheduled TV interview with former Czech President Miloš Zeman. Zeman later said the Slovak leader hasn’t been feeling well since he was wounded in an assassination attempt on May 15, 2024.

Despite this, Slovak MP Ján Richter of the ruling Smer party told Denník N that Fico is in “good physical and psychological condition.”

“It could be linked to the upcoming May 15 [the anniversary of the attack]. Maybe there’s a psychological element — maybe he’s starting to realize what could have happened,” Richter said.

According to the head of Smer’s parliamentary group, Fico has not abandoned his plan to visit Moscow for the May 9 parade hosted by Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

On May 15, 2024, Fico was shot in an apparent assassination attempt. Slovak media reported that after approaching a group of people on the street, gunfire erupted and he collapsed. He sustained two or three gunshot wounds, reportedly to his limbs, chest, and abdomen. A total of five shots were fired. Fico later underwent surgery.

Fico first confirmed his intention to travel to Moscow on April 15, calling calls for him to cancel the trip “disrespectful.”

In January 2025, Russia’s Defense Minister Andrei Belousov said guests from 19 “friendly countries” had been invited to the May 9 parade. He claimed 10 had already confirmed attendance but did not specify which ones.

Slovakia’s Fico is among the confirmed attendees. Russian media have also reported that Chinese leader Xi Jinping is expected to attend. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump denied rumors that he would join the parade. Russian propaganda, however, has claimed that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Moscow.