Slovak Prime Minister to EU: ‘Stop crying’ about Russia-US discussions
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has criticized the bloc's efforts to act as “peacemakers,” claiming that these actions are exacerbating the conflict in Ukraine. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has criticized the European Union for attempting to position itself as “peacemakers” in the Ukraine conflict, arguing that the bloc has ignored opportunities for a ceasefire over the past three years and is, in fact, contributing to the escalation of the conflict.
Fico, a vocal critic of Western policies concerning Ukraine, has consistently voiced dissent within the EU. In May 2024, he survived an assassination attempt by a pro-Ukraine activist, who shot him multiple times at close range.
In a recent speech, Fico assailed EU leaders for what he labeled three years of strategic errors, contending that the West's military and financial support for Ukraine has merely extended the conflict without achieving meaningful progress. “With the exception of Slovakia and Hungary, the European Union supported the war in Ukraine for three years. It has not listened to our objections that the strategy of exploiting the war in Ukraine to weaken Russia is not working,” he stated. He further contended that “a conventional war with Russia cannot be won.”
The Slovak leader also criticized Brussels for pursuing an impractical approach that, in his view, has left Ukraine in a weaker position while sidelining the EU in peace negotiations.
The recent high-level discussions between Russia and the U.S. in Riyadh, which aimed at restoring relations and addressing the Ukraine crisis, have caused frustration within the EU. Member states have expressed discontent over being excluded from these talks. “We are nervous when the United States and Russia do not call us to the negotiating table for peace in Ukraine. We should stop crying,” Fico remarked. “We should convene a proper summit of all the member states of the European Union and pour ourselves some clear wine.”
Fico characterized the EU’s self-presentation as a peace broker as “hypocritical,” pointing out that the same leaders who previously dismissed ceasefire negotiations are now eager to remain relevant as U.S.-Russia dialogue progresses.
In response to claims that “tens of thousands of Russians and Ukrainians are dying needlessly,” the EU has maintained that Ukraine can only negotiate peace if it possesses sufficient strength, according to Fico. “But peace has been negotiated at a time when Ukraine could not be weaker,” he argued, adding that with the new U.S. president introducing fresh peace initiatives, Europe is attempting to reposition itself as peacemakers.
Fico has consistently opposed EU military support for Ukraine since taking office in 2023, halting Slovakia's military aid, advocating for peace talks, and resisting Ukraine's NATO aspirations.
Frederick R Cook contributed to this report for TROIB News
Fico, a vocal critic of Western policies concerning Ukraine, has consistently voiced dissent within the EU. In May 2024, he survived an assassination attempt by a pro-Ukraine activist, who shot him multiple times at close range.
In a recent speech, Fico assailed EU leaders for what he labeled three years of strategic errors, contending that the West's military and financial support for Ukraine has merely extended the conflict without achieving meaningful progress. “With the exception of Slovakia and Hungary, the European Union supported the war in Ukraine for three years. It has not listened to our objections that the strategy of exploiting the war in Ukraine to weaken Russia is not working,” he stated. He further contended that “a conventional war with Russia cannot be won.”
The Slovak leader also criticized Brussels for pursuing an impractical approach that, in his view, has left Ukraine in a weaker position while sidelining the EU in peace negotiations.
The recent high-level discussions between Russia and the U.S. in Riyadh, which aimed at restoring relations and addressing the Ukraine crisis, have caused frustration within the EU. Member states have expressed discontent over being excluded from these talks. “We are nervous when the United States and Russia do not call us to the negotiating table for peace in Ukraine. We should stop crying,” Fico remarked. “We should convene a proper summit of all the member states of the European Union and pour ourselves some clear wine.”
Fico characterized the EU’s self-presentation as a peace broker as “hypocritical,” pointing out that the same leaders who previously dismissed ceasefire negotiations are now eager to remain relevant as U.S.-Russia dialogue progresses.
In response to claims that “tens of thousands of Russians and Ukrainians are dying needlessly,” the EU has maintained that Ukraine can only negotiate peace if it possesses sufficient strength, according to Fico. “But peace has been negotiated at a time when Ukraine could not be weaker,” he argued, adding that with the new U.S. president introducing fresh peace initiatives, Europe is attempting to reposition itself as peacemakers.
Fico has consistently opposed EU military support for Ukraine since taking office in 2023, halting Slovakia's military aid, advocating for peace talks, and resisting Ukraine's NATO aspirations.
Frederick R Cook contributed to this report for TROIB News
