New blow for Putin as protests erupt in 1 of the only countries in Europe still an ally

The Russian leader will be watching the protests closely (Image: Getty )

Vladimir Putin could be uncomfortable this morning after huge protests broke out last night against one of his last remaining allies in Europe. Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has been one of Moscow's keenest supporters despite the majority of Europe and the UK firmly backing Ukraine against the Russian invasion which started in February 2022.

Slovakia has some cultural heritage links to Russia, and populist politician Mr Fico has visited Putin three times since the war began, offering his support. The Prime Minister also cancelled Slovakian military aid for Ukraine. Landlocked Slovakia is heavily reliant on Russian gas supplies and Mr Fico has so far resisted calls from the EU to decrease his country's reliance on Kremlin energy.

But now in a show of dissent amongst ordinary Slovakians a huge march has been held in the capital Bratislava, with tens of thousands protesting against Mr Fico's rule and pro-Putin stance.

The huge protest in the Slovakian capital Bratislava last night (Image: Getty)

The massive demonstration coincided with the anniversary of the 1989 Velvet Revolution which ended decades of communist rule in the former Czechoslovakia. Rallies and marches also took place in dozens of communities outside the capital. The protesters in gathered in Freedom Square in a rainy Bratislava, chanted, “We have enough of Fico,” “We want a change” and “Resign."

One banner in the crowd displayed the words by late Czechoslovak and Czech President Václav Havel that became the motto of the Velvet Revolution: “Truth and love must prevail over lies and hatred."

Mr Fico has long been a divisive figure in Slovakia, and thousands have repeatedly rallied to protest his policies. Most recently, his government canceled the national holiday on Monday that marked the Velvet Revolution, calling it part of austerity measures.

Protesters flocked to the streets in their tens of thousands in Slovakia (Image: AP )

Michal Šimečka, leader of the major opposition Progressive Slovakia party, rejected that explanation.

“It has nothing to do with economy or savings,” Šimečka said. “Robert Fico just wants to tell us that the holiday of freedom is useless, that freedom is useless. We value freedom and we will not let it be taken away from us.”

Prime Minister Fico also recently angered many in Slovakia by telling students in the city of Poprad that they should go to fight for Ukraine if they don’t agree with his pro-Russian views.