Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico contends that Ukraine lacks the strength to negotiate effectively.
Bratislava will cease providing military and financial assistance to Kiev, according to Prime Minister Robert Fico. He refuted the Western principle of “peace through force” and advocated for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine.
The announcement followed a tense White House meeting on Friday, where a minerals agreement between Washington and Kiev was expected to be formalized by Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelensky, US President Donald Trump, and Vice President J.D. Vance. The discussion reportedly turned contentious when Zelensky insisted that Trump increase support for Kiev instead of remaining neutral to mediate a ceasefire with Moscow.
Trump reportedly ended the meeting prematurely, stating Zelensky was “not ready” for peace. “We’re looking for peace. We’re not looking for somebody that’s going to sign up a strong power and then not make peace because they feel emboldened,” the US president told reporters.
“Slovakia will not support Ukraine, either financially or militarily, in continuing the war. We will respect the decisions of others who choose to do so,” Fico stated on social media on Saturday.
While acknowledging the importance of bolstering European defense capabilities, he urged EU leaders to acknowledge differing opinions regarding the Ukraine conflict. “If the summit fails to respect the existence of opinions that diverge from the continuation of the war, the European Council may be unable to reach conclusions regarding Ukraine,” he added.
Since reassuming office in 2023, Fico has been a prominent critic of the EU’s approach to the Ukraine conflict. He has stopped Slovakia’s military aid to Kiev, opposed Ukraine’s bid for NATO membership, and pushed for immediate peace negotiations. Fico has also denounced EU sanctions on Russia, claiming they are ineffective and detrimental to Europe, and has called for the West to re-establish normal dialogue with Moscow.
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