Russian Ambassador Igor Bratčikov shakes hands with Mayor of Bardejov Boris Hanuščak. (source: Bardejov TV)
The Russian ambassador was granted an official reception by the eastern Slovak town of Bardejov on July 29, 2024, one which was sealed with an entry in the town's official commemorative book. The mayor of Bardejov, Boris Hanuščak of the Hlas party, welcomed Ambassador Igor Bratchikov with a triple embrace, local broadcaster Bardejov Television reported, adding that “the meeting took place in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.”
The reception took place in a city renowned for its historical and cultural significance; Bardejov is considered one of Slovakia's most beautiful cities and its historic centre, including an early 18th-century Jewish suburb, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
The Russian Federation considers Slovakia, as a European Union and NATO member, to be a hostile country. Most EU and NATO nations refuse to grant official receptions to Russian representatives. Russia’s exclusion from the Olympic Games further underscores the international community’s stance against Russia’s actions. In May this year an attempt by MP Tibor Gašpar (Smer) to meet Bratchikov publicly in the Slovak parliament was cancelled.
During his visit to Bardejov, Bratchikov was accompanied by Anton Korba of the Union of Slovak Soldiers. They visited Bardejov Spa and the village of Smilno for the reopening of a restored World War I soldiers' cemetery. Korba, formerly an MP for the Slovak National Party (SNS), left the party and later ran unsuccessfully to become regional governor in 2013.
Bratchikov praised Hanuščak
“I greatly appreciate the close relationships I have with the city office and Mayor Hanuščak,” said the Russian ambassador. He emphasised his "respect" for World War I soldiers and stressed the importance of preventing such "tragedies" in the future. His own country launched an unprovoked full-scale military invasion of its neighbour Ukraine in February 2022 which continues to this day and has so far led to hundreds of thousands of casualties.
Bardejov town hall, according to city spokesman Štefan Hij, sees no issue with hosting the Russian ambassador. Hij stated: “The Bardejov municipality is, has been, and always will be open to meetings with all duly accredited foreign missions and their representatives.” He added, “Just as we have hosted the US ambassador and representatives from Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands, we also welcomed the Russian ambassador on Monday.”
Hij also noted that the Ukrainian ambassador has not visited Bardejov in recent years. The reception was part of Bratchikov’s visit to the reopening of a World War I cemetery in Smilno. “Incidentally, the cemetery contains soldiers from various nationalities of the former Austria-Hungary and other combatant states, serving as a reminder of ‘never again war,’” Hij remarked.
The meeting also covered topics such as the upcoming national celebrations for the 80th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising (SNP) and local events like the Bardejov fair.
Political scientist Grigorij Mesežnikov criticised the visit, describing it as an inappropriate gesture towards a state that is currently engaged in an aggressive war against Ukraine and that views Slovakia as an enemy. Mesežnikov emphasised: “What the mayor of Bardejov has done essentially normalises Russian aggression in the eyes of Slovaks. It’s no surprise that among less informed people, Russia is still seen as a partner state. In reality, it is our enemy.”
Who is Boris Hanuščak?
Hanuščak has been the mayor of Bardejov for over twenty-five years, having first been elected in 1998. He initially ran for the Party of the Democratic Left (SDĽ), which was later absorbed by Smer, and in recent elections, he has represented Hlas, a party which itself broke away from Smer in 2020. It was founded by the current president, Peter Pellegrini, whom Hanuščak actively supported as mayor.
In March, during the presidential election campaign, a free concert for International Women's Day was held under Hanuščak’s patronage that promoted Pellegrini’s candidacy, with 800 carnations distributed to attendees, paid for from the city budget.
MPs criticised the reception
MPs opposed to the mayor’s reception of the Russian ambassador argue that it was inappropriate, given Russia's ongoing military aggression against Ukraine, which violates international law and the principles of peace. Martin Šmilňák (KDH) stated, “We use this opportunity to express parliament's stance on such a visit.”
The city council expressed its disapproval of Mayor Hanuščak’s meeting with the Russian ambassador on August 12, 2024, declaring it was not conducted on behalf of the municipality.
In a resolution passed by a majority of members, it stated: “The city council expresses concern about this meeting in light of the current international situation and the continuing military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, which is contrary to international law and basic principles of peace.” The council deemed the meeting “inappropriate and insensitive” and demanded that the mayor consider the potential negative impact on the city’s reputation. The resolution concluded, “The ambassador of the Russian Federation is not welcome in Bardejov until the end of the war in Ukraine.”
In response to these criticisms, Deputy Mayor Eva Hudáková indicated that a written statement from the mayor regarding the visit would be issued, although it had not yet been published at the time of reporting.
The town’s website describes Bratchikov’s visit as part of Bardejov’s commitment to dialogue and hospitality, highlighting that the town “is open to dialogue and questions of cooperation” and values its traditions and hospitality.
