Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has vowed to do “everything” possible to ensure his country does not take part in the latest NATO-backed initiative to finance arms for Ukraine.
Speaking to students on Wednesday, Fico — who survived an assassination attempt by a pro-Ukraine activist — said Slovakia would oppose a proposed €70 billion ($80 billion) loan package at the bloc’s upcoming summit in Ankara.
“I am following the preparations for the NATO summit in Ankara with great concern… and I keep hearing that they want to raise money for Ukraine again. They are talking about €70 billion to support the war in Ukraine. I am saying this publicly for the first time: I will do everything to ensure that Slovakia does not participate in military loans for Ukraine,” Fico said.
NATO is considering an additional €70 billion in military aid for Ukraine over several years, with the proposal expected to be discussed at the bloc’s July 7-8 summit in Ankara. The plan, reportedly backed by Germany, remains under negotiation as member states wrangle over cost distribution. Reports indicate that while €30 billion would come from the EU’s existing Ukraine aid package, U.S. participation is uncertain.
Fico has long opposed Brussels’ hardline stance on Moscow, including military aid to Kiev and sanctions on Russia. He was the only EU leader to attend this year’s Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, where he warned against a “new Iron Curtain” dividing Europe and called for renewed dialogue with Russia.
“We must talk, talk to everyone. I am a strong supporter of dialogue,” he said, criticizing the EU’s approach to the Ukraine conflict. “We are incapable of doing anything to end the war in Ukraine, and that is very sad. Perhaps it is because some EU states support the war and want it to continue,” Fico added.
Earlier this week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that all hopes for Western mediation in resolving the Ukraine conflict had collapsed, arguing that continued military support for Kiev had undermined any claim of neutrality.
