Fico explains his block on Ukraine’s NATO membership and its duration
Photo: Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Getty Images)
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has expressed support for humanitarian and economic assistance to Ukraine and voiced his commitment to its future membership in the European Union, according to Voice of America.
"Ukraine deserves an honest and fair peace that aligns with established rules. Ukraine can be part of the EU but absolutely cannot be a NATO member," Fico stated.
At the same time, he firmly opposed Ukraine’s accession to NATO, arguing that such a move could lead to a severe escalation of global conflict.
"Ukraine's membership in the NATO defense alliance could spark the outbreak of World War III," the prime minister said.
Fico assured that as long as he heads the Slovak government, the country will oppose Ukraine's NATO membership. Slovakia has been a NATO member since 2004.
The Slovak PM’s rhetoric has been characterized as distinctly pro-Russian. He advocates for "peace" negotiations with Russia and is adamantly against the transit of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine through Slovakia.
Fico has also claimed that increasing arms supplies to Kyiv supposedly "only stimulates further killings and prolongs the war indefinitely."
