"Russian" connection between former Slovenian intelligence officer and presidential friend Viktorija Krivolucka

Prometna nesreča predsednice države zavira zagon zlorabljene informacije The recent traffic accident involving President of the Republic of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar has sparked widespread public interest and raised concerns over potential security risks linked to her close friend Viktorija Krivolucka. The incident, which occurred on July 31, 2026, near the Kastelec interchange on the A1 highway, has led to intense media scrutiny and speculation about the nature of Krivolucka’s ties with Russian intelligence services. While she has categorically denied any involvement in espionage activities, the circumstances surrounding her relationship with former intelligence officer Roman Jeglič have fueled further controversy. Krivolucka, who was present during the accident and sustained injuries, has been described by some as a potential security risk due to her alleged connections with Jeglič, a former director of the Security Information Service (VIS), now known as the Slovenian Intelligence Agency (Sova). According to reports, both Krivolucka and Jeglič were registered at the same address in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia, around 2010. This information came to light after investigative journalism by the Austrian press agency APA and the Slovenian newspaper Dnevnik, which uncovered links between Krivolucka and Jeglič through publicly accessible Russian databases. Jeglič, once a high-ranking official within the VIS, was implicated in several scandals, including his role in the infamous JBTZ affair, which led to the arrest of former Prime Minister Janez Janša. He later left Slovenia for Russia and became associated with the Russian-based company Gorenje. His presence in Krasnoyarsk coincided with Krivolucka's time there, raising questions about their relationship and its implications for national security. Krivolucka, who holds dual citizenship, Slovenian and Russian, has consistently denied any involvement in intelligence work. She claims that she was unaware of Jeglič’s past and that their relationship was purely personal. However, the timing of their shared residence in Krasnoyarsk, coupled with frequent travel to Russia by Pirc Musar, has led to speculation about potential influence or collusion. Reports indicate that Pirc Musar and Krivolucka visited Russia together at least seven times between 2015 and 2022, including a New Year’s visit to Moscow just weeks before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The situation has drawn attention from security officials, including former Sova director Rajko Kozmelj, who has warned that individuals with access to high-profile figures like the president could pose a threat to national security. Kozmelj emphasized that even if Krivolucka denies being an informant, her proximity to Pirc Musar makes her a potential target for foreign intelligence agencies. He noted that while the government has conducted security checks on Krivolucka, the depth and thoroughness of these investigations remain unclear. Meanwhile, the political fallout continues. Former constitutional judge Peter Jambrek has suggested that Pirc Musar’s close ties with Russian nationals could undermine the integrity of the presidency and violate international law. He argues that such relationships could compromise the country’s sovereignty and raise ethical concerns about the separation of private life from public duty. Despite the mounting pressure, Krivolucka has remained steadfast in her denial. In interviews with Mladina and other media outlets, she has repeatedly stated that she is not an intelligence operative and that her friendship with Pirc Musar is genuine. She has also highlighted her financial independence, noting that she has always paid rent for her apartment in Slovenia, despite receiving support from Pirc Musar and her husband during difficult times. The case has also reignited discussions about the broader issue of Russian influence in Slovenian politics. Some analysts suggest that the coincidence of Krivolucka’s and Jeglič’s residences in Krasnoyarsk, along with Pirc Musar’s frequent visits to Russia, might not be mere chance. Others argue that the focus on these details could be part of a larger narrative aimed at undermining the credibility of the presidency. As the investigation into the traffic accident and related matters continues, the government faces increasing pressure to provide transparency. Public trust in the administration has already been shaken by previous controversies, and this latest development threatens to deepen the crisis. With ongoing scrutiny from both domestic and international observers, the outcome of this inquiry will likely shape the future of Slovenian politics for years to come.