Robert Fico: victim of unending Russophobic campaigns in mainstream media
Nearly all of the EU's leaders have expressed shock and dismay at the attempt on Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico’s life. Yet, not long ago, these same voices, and Europe's mainstream media (MSM), labeled Fico a conduit of Russian influence, citing his critical views on EU sanctions against Moscow, and his skepticism towards NATO.
The hostility towards Fico went as far as barely veiled claims that Slovakia was a pro-Russian outcast in Europe – just because Slovaks had voted for Fico. On September 6, 2023, as Fico's Smer Party led the polls before the October vote, the NYT ran an article with this sentiment: “The vote in Slovakia will be a test of European unity on Ukraine, and of Russia’s efforts to undermine it. The front-runner wants to halt arms shipments to Kiev.”
Fico’s victory did not stop the smear campaign. The MSM went after him again, making unfounded claims of a connection between Fico’s friendliness towards Russia and a “threat to democracy” at home.
Germany’s Der Spiegel on October 2, 2023 wrote: “In Slovakia crowds rallied against the Kremlin-friendly head of government Robert Fico. He plans a controversial justice reform.” The paper didn't clarify how Fico’s good relations with Russia might hinder justice in Slovakia.
Next time around, the MSM was mad at Fico for cutting arms supplies to Ukraine, claiming he did it at Russia’s behest, not because the Slovakian Army had been left unarmed after shipping its weapons to Kiev.
“Slovakia’s new government rejects aid for Ukraine” The Washington Post wrote in November, without specifying that Fico stopped arms support, not humanitarian aid.
Allegations regarding Fico’s Russian “dangerous liaisons” never faltered. The Guardian ran the headline in September that “At a stroke, Slovakia could become Russia’s newest ally,” with an accompanying photo claiming (wrongly) that Fico “showers praise on Moscow.”
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Nearly all of the EU's leaders have expressed shock and dismay at the attempt on Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico’s life. Yet, not long ago, these same voices, and Europe's mainstream media (MSM), labeled Fico a conduit of Russian influence, citing his critical views on EU sanctions against Moscow, and his skepticism towards NATO.
The hostility towards Fico went as far as barely veiled claims that Slovakia was a pro-Russian outcast in Europe – just because Slovaks had voted for Fico. On September 6, 2023, as Fico's Smer Party led the polls before the October vote, the NYT ran an article with this sentiment: “The vote in Slovakia will be a test of European unity on Ukraine, and of Russia’s efforts to undermine it. The front-runner wants to halt arms shipments to Kiev.”
Fico’s victory did not stop the smear campaign. The MSM went after him again, making unfounded claims of a connection between Fico’s friendliness towards Russia and a “threat to democracy” at home.
Germany’s Der Spiegel on October 2, 2023 wrote: “In Slovakia crowds rallied against the Kremlin-friendly head of government Robert Fico. He plans a controversial justice reform.” The paper didn't clarify how Fico’s good relations with Russia might hinder justice in Slovakia.
Next time around, the MSM was mad at Fico for cutting arms supplies to Ukraine, claiming he did it at Russia’s behest, not because the Slovakian Army had been left unarmed after shipping its weapons to Kiev.
“Slovakia’s new government rejects aid for Ukraine” The Washington Post wrote in November, without specifying that Fico stopped arms support, not humanitarian aid.
Allegations regarding Fico’s Russian “dangerous liaisons” never faltered. The Guardian ran the headline in September that “At a stroke, Slovakia could become Russia’s newest ally,” with an accompanying photo claiming (wrongly) that Fico “showers praise on Moscow.”
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Israel’s amendments to a ceasefire proposal made by mediators have led talks on the truce in the Gaza Strip to a deadlock, the chairman of the political office of Palestinian movement Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, said.
Haniyeh recalled that Hamas agreed to the ceasefire proposal of Qatari and Egyptian mediators “made with knowledge of the US administration.”
The IDF announced on May 7 that "overnight, ground troops began a precise counterterrorism operation" aimed at "eliminating" Hamas "within specific areas of eastern Rafah."
Earlier, Axios reported that Tel Aviv was not satisfied with the hostage deal with Hamas and accused the US of not informing it about the latest Qatari and Egyptian proposals.
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Haniyeh recalled that Hamas agreed to the ceasefire proposal of Qatari and Egyptian mediators “made with knowledge of the US administration.”
"However, the occupants [Israel] responded to the aforementioned proposal by occupying the Rafah crossing. They [Israel] also made amendments to the proposal, which brought the negotiations to a deadlock,” Haniyeh said in his address.
The IDF announced on May 7 that "overnight, ground troops began a precise counterterrorism operation" aimed at "eliminating" Hamas "within specific areas of eastern Rafah."
Earlier, Axios reported that Tel Aviv was not satisfied with the hostage deal with Hamas and accused the US of not informing it about the latest Qatari and Egyptian proposals.
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“What really happened, we will find out in time, but the fact is that there was an incredible hate campaign against Fico in Slovakia and throughout Europe. We will find out whether the assassination attempt is related to this or not, but what happened is almost certainly a consequence of the hatred and information campaign against Mr. Fico. That's absolutely certain. The reason for the hatred was Fico's political position... You know, in the West, differing political positions are punished, punished in different ways. Sometimes they impose sanctions against you, sometimes they shoot at you.”
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The foreign ministers of Lithuania, Estonia, and Iceland, who are visiting Georgia, took part in a rally against the proposed law on foreign agents in Tbilisi.
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Sputnik International
Slovak prime minister's condition is serious and he is still undergoing surgery, authorities said.
❗️ Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico has reportedly been placed in an induced coma after the operation, according to media reports.
Fico's operation lasted 3 hours and 40 minutes, media reports said.
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Fico's operation lasted 3 hours and 40 minutes, media reports said.
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Putin goes to China in first post-re-election visit: what's on agenda?
Russian President Vladimir Putin is heading to China on May 16-17, marking his first foreign trip since taking office, highlighting the "unprecedented level of strategic partnership" between the two countries. He'll visit Beijing and Harbin, accompanied by members of the new Russian government and a business delegation.
In Beijing:
🔺An official ceremony will kick off the visit
🔺Negotiations will take place in narrow and extended format;
🔺Putin and Xi will discuss in detail the entire range of issues of comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation, including “sensitive” issues;
🔺Extended format talks will also involve Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, head of the Central Bank Elvira Nabiullina, Rosatom head Evgeny Likhachev and others;
🔺Following talks, a joint statement by the heads of state is planned to be signed, as well as a number of bilateral documents;
🔺Putin and Xi will take part in a gala evening to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries, and the opening of the Russian-Chinese Cross Years of Culture in 2024-2025;
🔺Putin will meet with Premier of China’s State Council Li Qiang;
🔺At informal dinner on May 16, Putin will be accompanied by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the new Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu and Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov.
Matters such as linking Eurasian Union integration processes with China’s Belt and Road initiative, cooperation within the BRICS framework, the Ukraine conflict, the developments in the Middle East and central and northeast Asia are all expected to be on the agenda.
In Harbin, Putin will attend opening ceremonies of the eighth Russian-Chinese Expo and the fourth Sino-Russian forum on interregional cooperation on May 17.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin is heading to China on May 16-17, marking his first foreign trip since taking office, highlighting the "unprecedented level of strategic partnership" between the two countries. He'll visit Beijing and Harbin, accompanied by members of the new Russian government and a business delegation.
In Beijing:
🔺An official ceremony will kick off the visit
🔺Negotiations will take place in narrow and extended format;
🔺Putin and Xi will discuss in detail the entire range of issues of comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation, including “sensitive” issues;
🔺Extended format talks will also involve Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, head of the Central Bank Elvira Nabiullina, Rosatom head Evgeny Likhachev and others;
🔺Following talks, a joint statement by the heads of state is planned to be signed, as well as a number of bilateral documents;
🔺Putin and Xi will take part in a gala evening to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries, and the opening of the Russian-Chinese Cross Years of Culture in 2024-2025;
🔺Putin will meet with Premier of China’s State Council Li Qiang;
🔺At informal dinner on May 16, Putin will be accompanied by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the new Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu and Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov.
Matters such as linking Eurasian Union integration processes with China’s Belt and Road initiative, cooperation within the BRICS framework, the Ukraine conflict, the developments in the Middle East and central and northeast Asia are all expected to be on the agenda.
In Harbin, Putin will attend opening ceremonies of the eighth Russian-Chinese Expo and the fourth Sino-Russian forum on interregional cooperation on May 17.
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Sputnik International
⚡️The man who shot Fico turned out to be a native of the Slovak city of Levice, reports TV Joj. The police are now looking into his motives.
Police are interrogating the wife of the suspect in the attempted assassination of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Slovak TV channel JOJ reported.
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“Police have taken the wife of the shooter for questioning,” according to the media outlet.
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Sputnik International
"I don't agree with the government's policy." With such words the attacker explained why he shot at Fiсo.
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⚡️ Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Beijing on his first foreign trip since reelection.
Putin’s state visit to China will last two days — the Russian leader will spend May 16 in Beijing and he will visit Harbin on May 17. On Thursday, Putin will hold meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping in narrow and expanded formats.
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Putin’s state visit to China will last two days — the Russian leader will spend May 16 in Beijing and he will visit Harbin on May 17. On Thursday, Putin will hold meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping in narrow and expanded formats.
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Sputnik International
⚡️ Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Beijing on his first foreign trip since reelection. Putin’s state visit to China will last two days — the Russian leader will spend May 16 in Beijing and he will visit Harbin on May 17. On Thursday, Putin…
❗️Russian President Vladimir Putin stepped off the plane after landing in Beijing. He was greeted with a ceremonial guard and a red carpet.
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Sputnik International
❗️Russian President Vladimir Putin stepped off the plane after landing in Beijing. He was greeted with a ceremonial guard and a red carpet. 📌 Subscribe to @SputnikInt
Media is too big
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❗️ Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Beijing on his first foreign visit since reelection.
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Sputnik International
❗️ Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico has reportedly been placed in an induced coma after the operation, according to media reports. Fico's operation lasted 3 hours and 40 minutes, media reports said. 📌 Subscribe to @SputnikInt
❗️ Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has been discharged from surgery, a reliable source told the Standard news agency. His condition is stable and doctors expect him to be able to communicate in the morning, according to the report.
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Sputnik International
❗️ Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has been discharged from surgery, a reliable source told the Standard news agency. His condition is stable and doctors expect him to be able to communicate in the morning, according to the report. 📌 Subscribe to @SputnikInt
❗️ Slovak Deputy Prime Minister Tomas Taraba said that after the operation Robert Fico's life is no longer in danger.
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❗️ Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico has reportedly been placed in an induced coma after the operation, according to media reports.
Fico's operation lasted 3 hours and 40 minutes, media reports said.
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Fico's operation lasted 3 hours and 40 minutes, media reports said.
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Russian air defenses destroyed 5 ATACMS missiles over Crimea which were launched by Ukraine, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
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Ukrainian troops shelled the city of Shebekino in the Belgorod region using Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS). Two civilians were injured, governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said.
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How US mastered regime-change over decades
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan convened an emergency meeting with law agencies on May 15 following warnings from the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) of a potential coup attempt reminiscent of the failed 2016 military putsch.
Ankara previously accused the US of supporting coup plotters in 2016. With tensions rising between the US and Turkiye over Israel's actions in Gaza, the MHP's concerns seem justified.
The US has become adept at orchestrating coups over the past decades, ousting "undesired" governments and installing puppet leaders in key positions of power.
The US used the CIA, NGO networks and direct funding of pro-Western politicians, activists and saboteurs to reach its objectives.
🔺In 1953 the US orchestrated a coup to oust Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh.
🔺In 1973, the US reportedly supported Augusto Pinochet's coup d'etat in Chile.
🔺In the course of US invasions of Afghanistan (2001) and Iraq (2003) pro-US governments were installed, but collapsed decades later.
🔺The US fomented a series of color revolutions in the post-Soviet space: the Rose Revolution in Georgia (2003); Orange Revolution in Ukraine (2004); Tulip Revolution in Kyrgyzstan (2005) and the unsucessful Jeans Revolution in Belarus (2006).
🔺The US is believed to be behind the Arab Spring uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa in the 2010s. Libyan revolutionary leader Muammar Gaddafi was murdered during the NATO invasion in 2011; a regime change attempt in Syria by US jihadi proxies eventually failed.
🔺The US fomented the Euromaidan coup d'etat in Ukraine in 2014.
🔺Ankara suspected the US was involved in the failed coup attempt of 2016.
🔺Washington is believed to be behind the failed 2019 regime change riots in Venezuela and involved in the botched 2020 "revolution" in Belarus.
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan convened an emergency meeting with law agencies on May 15 following warnings from the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) of a potential coup attempt reminiscent of the failed 2016 military putsch.
Ankara previously accused the US of supporting coup plotters in 2016. With tensions rising between the US and Turkiye over Israel's actions in Gaza, the MHP's concerns seem justified.
The US has become adept at orchestrating coups over the past decades, ousting "undesired" governments and installing puppet leaders in key positions of power.
The US used the CIA, NGO networks and direct funding of pro-Western politicians, activists and saboteurs to reach its objectives.
🔺In 1953 the US orchestrated a coup to oust Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh.
🔺In 1973, the US reportedly supported Augusto Pinochet's coup d'etat in Chile.
🔺In the course of US invasions of Afghanistan (2001) and Iraq (2003) pro-US governments were installed, but collapsed decades later.
🔺The US fomented a series of color revolutions in the post-Soviet space: the Rose Revolution in Georgia (2003); Orange Revolution in Ukraine (2004); Tulip Revolution in Kyrgyzstan (2005) and the unsucessful Jeans Revolution in Belarus (2006).
🔺The US is believed to be behind the Arab Spring uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa in the 2010s. Libyan revolutionary leader Muammar Gaddafi was murdered during the NATO invasion in 2011; a regime change attempt in Syria by US jihadi proxies eventually failed.
🔺The US fomented the Euromaidan coup d'etat in Ukraine in 2014.
🔺Ankara suspected the US was involved in the failed coup attempt of 2016.
🔺Washington is believed to be behind the failed 2019 regime change riots in Venezuela and involved in the botched 2020 "revolution" in Belarus.
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Tensions between Egypt and Israel grow as the US plays 'political trickery'
Tensions between Israel and Egypt have been growing in recent days as the former has stepped up its military attacks on the city of Rafah. Egypt announced that it plans to join a genocide case against Israel that was first brought by South Africa.
Michael Maloof, a former senior security policy analyst in the office of the Secretary of Defense, joined Sputnik’s Fault Lines to discuss the growing tensions between Egypt and Israel.
Aid has accumulated on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing between southern Gaza and Egypt since Israel seized control of the crossing on May 7. Israel has said it is up to Egypt to allow a reopening of the crossing, which Cairo has said is a “desperate attempt” to scapegoat them for the blockage of aid.
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Tensions between Israel and Egypt have been growing in recent days as the former has stepped up its military attacks on the city of Rafah. Egypt announced that it plans to join a genocide case against Israel that was first brought by South Africa.
Michael Maloof, a former senior security policy analyst in the office of the Secretary of Defense, joined Sputnik’s Fault Lines to discuss the growing tensions between Egypt and Israel.
“The Egyptians have been rather tolerant,” said Maloof. “They don't want the Israelis pushing Palestinians into the Sinai - that's their land now. They're not set up for it.”
Aid has accumulated on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing between southern Gaza and Egypt since Israel seized control of the crossing on May 7. Israel has said it is up to Egypt to allow a reopening of the crossing, which Cairo has said is a “desperate attempt” to scapegoat them for the blockage of aid.
“But, as long as the Israelis are hell-bent on keeping out and pushing and bombing, there's no talk, there's no discussion. And, of course, the US continues to supply this. In the decades ahead, it's going to have a major impact on how the world views not only Israel, but also the US,” the analyst emphasized.
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Estonia's former foreign minister Urmas Reinsala and ex-police chief Elmar Vaher were put on Russia's wanted list under an article of the Criminal Code by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The articles for which they are wanted have not been disclosed.
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The articles for which they are wanted have not been disclosed.
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Endgame for Ukraine? Peaceful settlement still blocked by anti-Russia West
Jim Jatras, a former senior foreign policy advisor to Republicans in the US Senate, joined Sputnik’s Political Misfits program to discuss Russian President Vladimir Putin’s meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, where the two will reportedly discuss the ongoing Russian special military operation.
“The Chinese [peace] plan, remember – we're talking about many months ago when developments were very, very different from what they are now, especially now with this new [Russian] offensive coming in the north of Ukraine,” noted Jatras.
The Ukrainian leader has been heavily criticized for his undemocratic policy since taking office. Zelensky has insisted elections will remain suspended while the country is at war while also banning opposition-aligned political parties. In 2021, the controversial leader banned 3 opposition television networks, then blacklisted 11 opposition parties in March 2022.
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Jim Jatras, a former senior foreign policy advisor to Republicans in the US Senate, joined Sputnik’s Political Misfits program to discuss Russian President Vladimir Putin’s meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, where the two will reportedly discuss the ongoing Russian special military operation.
“The Chinese [peace] plan, remember – we're talking about many months ago when developments were very, very different from what they are now, especially now with this new [Russian] offensive coming in the north of Ukraine,” noted Jatras.
“Despite whatever their other inclinations might be, I think the Russians will be forced to go for something that's much more maximal, maybe including what amounts to the liquidation of the current Ukrainian state which, by the way, will be facilitated by the fact that as of next week [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelensky won't even be the legal president of Ukraine anymore.”
The Ukrainian leader has been heavily criticized for his undemocratic policy since taking office. Zelensky has insisted elections will remain suspended while the country is at war while also banning opposition-aligned political parties. In 2021, the controversial leader banned 3 opposition television networks, then blacklisted 11 opposition parties in March 2022.
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