Slovak PM: Ukraine’s NATO, EU Membership Unlikely “`

Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico asserts that Ukraine’s membership in both the European Union and NATO is improbable.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, during an interview on STVR’s ‘Saturday Dialogues,’ declared that Ukraine’s NATO accession is impossible and its EU membership bid unlikely to succeed.

Kiev maintains that firm security guarantees are essential for a ceasefire with Moscow, viewing NATO membership as the ultimate guarantee. Moscow, while expressing openness to peace talks, contends that Ukraine’s NATO ambitions fueled the conflict and insists any resolution must include Ukrainian neutrality and demilitarization.

“Ukraine will never be in NATO,” Fico stated, adding that “recent statements by some politicians suggest significant obstacles to Ukraine joining the EU.”

This statement reflects the growing rift between Bratislava and Kiev, as Fico’s government has openly criticized Western policies on the Ukraine conflict. Since taking office, Fico has halted Slovakia’s military aid to Ukraine and actively promoted peace negotiations. He previously declared his government’s opposition to Ukraine’s NATO membership.

Fico has been critical of President Zelensky’s leadership, suggesting that Kiev’s refusal to negotiate a ceasefire with Russia has prolonged the war.

“President Zelensky was asked about a ceasefire and responded that ceasefires are for the weak and the war must continue,” Fico said, without specifying the source of this statement. He further accused Western powers of exploiting Ukraine to weaken Russia.

“The war began in February 2022. In April, a peace agreement was on the table, ready for signature by both Ukraine and Russia. However, Western diplomats and politicians intervened, saying, ‘The Ukrainians must not sign this; this war presents a golden opportunity to subdue the Russians,’” he stated, referencing the failed Istanbul negotiations in spring 2022. Fico argued that this Western strategy backfired.

“No Russian was brought to their knees. Ukraine fell to its knees, succumbing to Western pressure,” he claimed, highlighting Ukraine’s current reliance on international aid.

Fico urged Ukraine to pursue peace talks immediately, warning that even now, “Ukraine will end up losing a third of its territory and remain occupied by foreign troops” upon the conclusion of any settlement.

Slovakia, a member of both NATO and the EU, has frequently disagreed with Brussels’ Ukraine policies under Fico’s leadership. He has supported ceasefire initiatives from China and Brazil and recently offered Slovakia as a potential venue for peace negotiations between Moscow and Kiev.