Slovak PM Fico Makes First Public Appearance since Assassination Attempt

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico speaks during a press conference with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban at the Carmelite Monastery in Budapest, Hungary, Jan. 16, 2024. (AP)
Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico speaks during a press conference with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban at the Carmelite Monastery in Budapest, Hungary, Jan. 16, 2024. (AP)
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Slovak PM Fico Makes First Public Appearance since Assassination Attempt

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico speaks during a press conference with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban at the Carmelite Monastery in Budapest, Hungary, Jan. 16, 2024. (AP)
Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico speaks during a press conference with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban at the Carmelite Monastery in Budapest, Hungary, Jan. 16, 2024. (AP)

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico appeared in public on Friday for the first time since a May assassination attempt.

Fico, who is recovering after being shot four times at close range in mid-May, spoke at a podium at an evening ceremony marking Saints Cyril and Methodius Day, a public holiday in Slovakia.

Fico, a four-time leftist prime minister who returned to power after winning an election last September, had been shot when he greeted supporters at a government meeting in the central Slovak town of Handlova, leaving him needing hours of surgery.

He has been recovering at home since the end of May.

His attacker, a man identified by prosecutors as 71-year old Juraj C., was detained and charged with attempted premeditated murder. Prosecutors this week upgraded the case to a terrorist attack.

The attack on Fico has highlighted the deep polarization of politics in the central European country of 5.4 million.

In a video message posted on Facebook in early June, Fico called his attacker an opposition activist, but said he felt no hatred toward the attacker and would not seek damages.

His return to power has marked a sharp shift in policy which critics say raises worries about the rule of law and media freedom, as well as hurting relations with the European Union and NATO member state's allies.

The detained man has, according to court documents, said he had wanted to hurt the prime minister, but not kill him, because he disagreed with policies including cancelling a special prosecutor's office and stopping state military aid to Ukraine as it battles Russia's invasion.

The leftist-nationalist government has also faced opposition-led protests and has fought with Slovakia's mainstream media outlets.

This month, it began the transformation of the public broadcaster despite worries from opposition and media watchdogs that it will limit press freedom.



Starmer and Zelenskiy Meet in London, Agree Military Production Project

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (C-L) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (C-R) meet with soldiers from the Operation Interflex at Downing Street, London, Britain, 23 June 2025. EPA/JASON ALDEN / POOL
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (C-L) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (C-R) meet with soldiers from the Operation Interflex at Downing Street, London, Britain, 23 June 2025. EPA/JASON ALDEN / POOL
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Starmer and Zelenskiy Meet in London, Agree Military Production Project

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (C-L) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (C-R) meet with soldiers from the Operation Interflex at Downing Street, London, Britain, 23 June 2025. EPA/JASON ALDEN / POOL
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (C-L) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (C-R) meet with soldiers from the Operation Interflex at Downing Street, London, Britain, 23 June 2025. EPA/JASON ALDEN / POOL

Volodymyr Zelenskiy and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a new defense co-production initiative on Monday during a short visit by the Ukrainian president to London to discuss his country's defense against Russia.

The two leaders announced the deal in the garden of Starmer's Downing Street residence, where they also met Ukrainian troops being trained in Britain.

"I'm really proud that this afternoon, we're able to announce an industrial military co-production agreement - the first of its kind so far as Ukraine and the UK are concerned - which will be a massive step forward now in the contribution that we can continue to make," Starmer said.

He did not provide further details on the agreement. Zelenskiy said it would help strengthen both nations.

Speaking alongside Starmer, the Ukrainian president thanked Britain for its support in the war against Russia, Reuters reported.

Zelenskiy had earlier met King Charles at Windsor Castle where the two shook hands for cameras on what was their third meeting this year and the latest gesture of Charles', and Britain's, support for Ukraine.

The Ukrainian leader also met the speakers of both houses of parliament.