Ukraine supporters in Slovakia protest against Prime Minister Fico

Thousands of people once again demonstrated against Prime Minister Robert Fico's government and its Ukraine policy in Bratislava and numerous other cities in Slovakia on Friday.

According to media estimates, approximately 10,000 people gathered in Bratislava alone. They chanted and carried banners demanding the resignation of Fico, whom they accused of pursuing a pro-Russian course.

The Peace for Ukraine citizens' initiative had called for the rallies. It advocates stronger military support for Ukraine and collects donations for ammunition purchases.

On the internet and from the speakers' platform at the protest gathering in Bratislava, the initiative announced that 75,000 people had already donated for ammunition deliveries to Ukraine. It was reported that two days ago, the sum of €5 million ($5.4 million) had been reached.

The demonstrations are part of an ongoing series of protests that have been taking place for several weeks.

The organizers accuse the left-wing populist Fico of serving Russian interests with his refusal to send arms to the neighbouring country, Ukraine, and distancing Slovakia from Europe.

One of the demonstration calls stated: "Proud patriots defend a European Slovakia! While the world forges new defence alliances, our leaders are retreating and leaving us in danger."

After Fico won the parliamentary election in autumn 2023, he stopped the delivery of weapons from Slovakia's own military stockpiles to Ukraine. However, commercial arms sales continue.

Additionally, Slovakia provides the neighbouring country with "non-lethal" goods such as mine-clearing equipment and generators.

Slovakia also steps in with electricity supplies when Russian bombardments cripple Ukrainian provision.

Since the start of the year, Fico has been in dispute with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, because he halted the transit of Russian gas on which Slovakia is dependent.