Slovakia’s government, under populist Prime Minister Robert Fico, is known for its pro-Russia rhetoric, skepticism toward EU sanctions on Moscow, and calls for a negotiated peace.

The rally in the Slovak capital on Sunday was attended by about 17,000 people, commemorating the 35th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution. Protesters voiced concerns over Fico's government, chanting slogans like “Fico to Russia” and “Enough of Fico.”

Opposition leaders said that Slovakia should remain part of the Western democratic world and resist falling under Moscow's influence.

Former presidential candidate Ivan Korčok, who recently joined the center-left opposition Progressive Slovakia party, called for unity among opposition factions.

Protesters also criticized Fico's Smer-SSD party, which marked its 25th anniversary over the weekend but avoided participation in events commemorating the Velvet Revolution.

At a Smer congress, Fico reiterated his belief that the West's approach to the war in Ukraine was ineffective, arguing that Russia could not be defeated militarily.

He added that the victory of Donald Trump in the U.S. presidential election earlier this month could signal a shift away from the current Western consensus on the war in Ukraine.

Fico also suggested that early parliamentary elections might be necessary in Slovakia, urging his party members to prepare for such a scenario.