Slovak PM Fico points to 'Ukrainian neo‑Nazis' as cause of conflict, denies military aid to Ukraine
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8:30 AM EST, February 25, 2024
Robert Fico, the Slovak Prime Minister, released a video on social media discussing his belief in the "false demonization" of Vladimir Putin, on the anniversary of the war's outbreak in Ukraine.
Slovak Prime Minister directs criticism towards Ukrainians
Fico stated the war, which began in 2014, originated from an "outburst of rage from Ukrainian neo-Nazis", whom he believes "went wild". He suggests the West inhibited a peace agreement in Ukraine from being signed, despite it being very close to fruition. However, he did not explain what this agreement would have entailed.
"For two years we have helplessly observed the slaughter of Slavs in a conflict that some in the West have benefitted from," Fico wrote on Facebook, uploading a recording of a radio interview. He argues Russia was "misled" with a promise that NATO would not expand towards the east, yet today, Ukraine's inclusion is being contemplated. Fico recognizes this as a catalyst for the potential "commencement of World War III".
Slovakia won't lend military support to Ukraine
The Slovak Prime Minister asserts that the West's strategy hasn't been successful, and that Russia hasn't been weakened either politically or economically. He argues that believing a nuclear power such as Russia can be defeated in a conventional war is naive. Meanwhile, he suggested the European Union should propose a peace plan. Additionally, he reiterated that Slovakia has no intentions of lending military support to Ukraine.
Nevertheless, Fico concedes that Russia's invasion of Ukraine was a breach of international law.
Slovak President expresses gratitude for assistance to Kyiv
Slovak president, Zuzana Čaputová, has a contrasting viewpoint. On the second anniversary of the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, she highlighted that the nation is battling to maintain its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Meanwhile, she expressed gratitude to Slovaks who have provided aid and shown solidarity with Ukraine since the aggression's first day. She claimed it is in Slovakia's best interest to have a peaceful and developing neighboring country.
