Fico states Slovakia will not support Kiev's war efforts
Robert Fico dismissed the Western notion of “peace through force,” contending that it merely extends the Ukraine conflict. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has declared that Slovakia will cease its military and financial support for Ukraine, countering the dominant Western notion of “peace through force” and advocating for an immediate ceasefire in the region.
This announcement followed a tense meeting at the White House, where Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelensky, US President Donald Trump, and Vice President J.D. Vance were expected to finalize a minerals agreement. The discussions escalated into a heated confrontation when Zelensky argued that Trump should increase support for Ukraine rather than taking a neutral stance to mediate a ceasefire with Moscow.
Trump abruptly ended the meeting, remarking that Zelensky was “not ready” for peace. He stated, “We’re looking for peace. We’re not looking for somebody that’s going to sign up a strong power and then not make peace because they feel emboldened,” during a subsequent press briefing.
On social media, Fico emphasized, “Slovakia will not support Ukraine, neither financially nor militarily, to continue the war. If others do so, we will respect it.”
The Slovak Prime Minister criticized Ukraine's Western allies for their pursuit of a “peace through force” strategy, deeming it unrealistic and merely a justification for extending the conflict. He asserted, “Ukraine will never be strong enough to negotiate from a position of military power.”
As Slovakia prepares to propose an “immediate ceasefire” at the upcoming EU summit on March 6, it faces opposition from Zelensky and several other EU member nations.
Fico also highlighted the detrimental effects of restricted Russian gas supplies on European industry, advocating for the resumption of gas transit through Ukraine to Slovakia and Western Europe. He pointed out, “Gas from east to west is not flowing, but Ukraine is taking European gas instead,” calling the situation “absurd” and maintaining that EU support for Ukraine “cannot be a one-way ticket.”
Acknowledging the necessity to bolster Europe’s defense capabilities, he urged EU leaders to acknowledge the spectrum of opinions surrounding the Ukraine conflict. He warned, “If it is not respected at the summit that there are opinions other than continuing the war, the European Council may not be able to agree on conclusions about Ukraine.”
Since re-assuming office in 2023, Fico has been an outspoken critic of the EU’s approach to the Ukraine conflict. He has halted Slovakia’s military assistance to Kyiv, opposed Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations, and called for immediate peace negotiations. Fico has also criticized EU sanctions against Russia, arguing that they are ineffective and harmful to Europe, and has encouraged a return to normal diplomatic relations with Moscow.
James del Carmen contributed to this report for TROIB News
This announcement followed a tense meeting at the White House, where Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelensky, US President Donald Trump, and Vice President J.D. Vance were expected to finalize a minerals agreement. The discussions escalated into a heated confrontation when Zelensky argued that Trump should increase support for Ukraine rather than taking a neutral stance to mediate a ceasefire with Moscow.
Trump abruptly ended the meeting, remarking that Zelensky was “not ready” for peace. He stated, “We’re looking for peace. We’re not looking for somebody that’s going to sign up a strong power and then not make peace because they feel emboldened,” during a subsequent press briefing.
On social media, Fico emphasized, “Slovakia will not support Ukraine, neither financially nor militarily, to continue the war. If others do so, we will respect it.”
The Slovak Prime Minister criticized Ukraine's Western allies for their pursuit of a “peace through force” strategy, deeming it unrealistic and merely a justification for extending the conflict. He asserted, “Ukraine will never be strong enough to negotiate from a position of military power.”
As Slovakia prepares to propose an “immediate ceasefire” at the upcoming EU summit on March 6, it faces opposition from Zelensky and several other EU member nations.
Fico also highlighted the detrimental effects of restricted Russian gas supplies on European industry, advocating for the resumption of gas transit through Ukraine to Slovakia and Western Europe. He pointed out, “Gas from east to west is not flowing, but Ukraine is taking European gas instead,” calling the situation “absurd” and maintaining that EU support for Ukraine “cannot be a one-way ticket.”
Acknowledging the necessity to bolster Europe’s defense capabilities, he urged EU leaders to acknowledge the spectrum of opinions surrounding the Ukraine conflict. He warned, “If it is not respected at the summit that there are opinions other than continuing the war, the European Council may not be able to agree on conclusions about Ukraine.”
Since re-assuming office in 2023, Fico has been an outspoken critic of the EU’s approach to the Ukraine conflict. He has halted Slovakia’s military assistance to Kyiv, opposed Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations, and called for immediate peace negotiations. Fico has also criticized EU sanctions against Russia, arguing that they are ineffective and harmful to Europe, and has encouraged a return to normal diplomatic relations with Moscow.
James del Carmen contributed to this report for TROIB News
