Fico's views on Russia have largely differed from the European mainstream. He ended Slovakia's military aid for Ukraine, criticised European Union sanctions on Russia and vowed to block Ukraine from joining NATO.

The weekly protests have come on the heels of a recent trip to Moscow by Fico, one of the few leaders of a European Union (EU) country to visit Russia since the beginning of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago.

Tens of thousands of people gathered in dozens cities and towns across Slovakia as vocal protests against pro-Russian policies of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico intensified.

Tens of thousands of Slovaks protested against Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government in more than 40 cities Friday, seeking to defend the country’s pro-European alignment.

Tens of thousands of people have once again taken to the streets in numerous cities across Slovakia under the slogan "Slovakia is Europe!" They accuse left-nationalist Prime Minister Robert Fico of taking a pro-Russian stance and lacking solidarity with Ukraine.

On Friday evening, mass anti-government protests took place in over 50 cities in Slovakia. In Bratislava, more than 40,000 people gathered, and across the country approximately 100,000 demonstrated. The protesters demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Robert Fico.

On Friday evening, mass anti-government protests occurred in over 50 cities in Slovakia. In Bratislava, more than 40,000 people gathered, and across the country, the total number of participants was about 100,