In a stunning and highly provocative statement from Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov publicly praised Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán, and Czech political heavyweight Andrej Babiš, calling them “pragmatists” who put their citizens first. The remarks, delivered in an interview for the France-Russia Dialogue YouTube channel and published by Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, immediately triggered sharp reactions across Europe.
Lavrov accused Western governments of pushing their populations to make sacrifices for Ukraine, while praising the three Central European politicians for refusing to “ask their citizens to sacrifice their children to support the Nazi regime in Kyiv.”
Moscow’s Messaging Strategy
Lavrov’s comments appear aimed at deepening divisions within the European Union, framing Fico, Orbán, and Babiš as leaders resisting Brussels’ pro-Ukraine stance.
“These people are pragmatic. They are not pro-Russian, but pro-Hungarian, pro-Slovak, pro-Czech,” Lavrov said. “They don’t want to encourage their citizens to sacrifice their children for Kyiv.”
The statement reinforces the Kremlin’s long-running narrative that Russia’s invasion is justified by the need to “denazify” Ukraine — a claim widely rejected internationally, especially given that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is Jewish and far-right parties hold minimal influence in Ukrainian politics.
Western Response and Background
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, Western nations have supplied Ukraine with weapons, economic aid, and imposed sweeping sanctions on Moscow. The Czech government under Petr Fiala strongly backed Kyiv, while Slovakia under former Prime Minister Eduard Heger provided military support.
However, political landscapes have shifted.
- Robert Fico returned to power in Slovakia in 2023 and has repeatedly criticized EU sanctions and military aid to Ukraine.
- Viktor Orbán remains Moscow’s closest ally within the EU, blocking or delaying multiple Ukraine-related initiatives.
- Andrej Babiš, whose ANO party won recent elections, has campaigned on limiting support for Ukraine and prioritizing national interests.
Babiš and the “Patriots for Europe” Bloc
Lavrov highlighted Babiš’s political resurgence, noting his cooperation with Orbán in forming the Patriots for Europe group in the European Parliament. While Babiš previously expelled Russian diplomats over the 2014 Vrbětice ammunition depot explosions, Moscow now views him as a useful counterweight to pro-Ukraine policies in Prague and Brussels.
Critics warn that the Kremlin is attempting to exploit political shifts to weaken EU unity on Ukraine.
Domestic Tension in the Czech Republic
Czech President Petr Pavel blasted the emerging coalition program of ANO, SPD, and Motorists for failing to mention:
- Russia as a threat
- NATO commitments
- defense spending obligations
Pavel demanded revisions, calling national security clarity essential. The coalition refused.
Conclusion
Lavrov’s praise signals a strategic propaganda push designed to elevate EU voices skeptical of continued support for Ukraine. Whether this rhetoric will translate into policy fractures across Europe remains to be seen — but Moscow is clearly watching Central Europe very closely.