Fico calls for EU mandate to negotiate with Russia over war in Ukraine
Photo: Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Getty Images)
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico wants EU member states to grant the European Union a mandate to initiate negotiations with Russia on ending the war in Ukraine, he said on Facebook.
Commenting on the war in Ukraine, the Slovak prime minister described it as "senseless mutual killing of Slavs" that will resolve nothing. Therefore, he wants member states to grant the EU a mandate to initiate negotiations with Russia regarding the war in Ukraine.
Fico noted that it is very important for the European Union to hear "voices of common sense" — those who understand that the strategy of supporting the war in Ukraine to weaken Russia is not working.
"Today, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever proposed that member states grant the EU a mandate to initiate negotiations with Russia on ending the war in Ukraine. He acknowledged that supporting the war has not led to the weakening of the Russian economy, and therefore the only correct path is negotiations," the Slovak head of government said.
In his opinion, such a "voice of common sense" can only be welcomed.
"If the European Union receives a mandate to conclude a peace agreement, I would support it with both hands," he added.
As for Fico, in his speech he also criticized President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the ban on imports of energy resources from Russia, and also mentioned the halt of the Druzhba oil pipeline in Ukraine.
It should be noted that some EU countries also want to have their voice in negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine. This was previously stated by Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski.
The Polish politician noted that the EU pays money for weapons for Ukraine, while the United States, which participates in the negotiations, receives this money under the PURL program.
