German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Saturday he “deeply regretted” Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s attendance of Moscow’s May 9 (Victory Day) commemorations. The chancellor spoke with the press during a visit to Stockholm, where he reiterated his support for NATO.
At a press briefing on the sidelines of the convention of Sweden’s Moderate Party, Merz said “We are deeply committed to keeping this alliance strong for the future.”
When asked about the Slovak PM’s decision to visit the Russian capital on Victory Day, Merz said “Robert Fico knows this is not our shared view … we will discuss his visit to Moscow with him.”
Fico was present in Moscow but did not participate directly in the commemorative events. He is the only EU leader to chose to be present for the anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany, calling himself “the EU’s black sheep” during his Moscow visit.
Addressing concerns over Donald Trump’s threats to significantly reduce U.S. troops in Germany and other European countries, Merz underscored that NATO’s strength is not solely tied to its troop presence.
“I have no doubt that the United States has a strong interest in maintaining a robust European pillar within NATO. Likewise, we remain unwavering in our commitment to the presence of U.S. troops and their military support,” Merz concluded.
