'Forgive Russia for everything'? Ukraine slams shocking Slovak proposal
Photo: Andrii Sybiha, Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The root cause of Russia's crimes is its impunity. One should not expect a criminal to stop if their crimes are forgiven, says the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha.
'Forgive everything' to Russia
During a broadcast on STVR, Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár stated that resolving the full-scale invasion allegedly requires establishing communication with the Russian side and diplomatic solutions. He particularly emphasized that it is supposedly the West that should find a way to cooperate with the Russian side.
"And maybe even forgive everything that happened," he added.
Sybiha's response
"Juraj, Russia's sense of impunity is the root cause of its crimes. It's naive to expect a criminal to stop if their crime is forgiven instead of punished. Russia will hit your other cheek as well," Sybiha wrote on X.
The Ukrainian Foreign Minister adds that those who have not lost anyone in this full-scale war have no right to make such statements.
Slovakia’s position on the war in Ukraine
Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Slovakia has mostly supported Ukraine both politically and through military and humanitarian aid.
However, following the 2023 parliamentary elections, which resulted in Robert Fico becoming prime minister, Slovakia significantly changed its rhetoric. The new government announced the suspension of military aid to Ukraine and made a series of statements about the need for peace while criticizing sanctions against Russia.
Today, Slovakia opposes the adoption of the 18th package of sanctions against Russia until the issue of energy security is resolved. RBC-Ukraine sources in the European Union believe that Bratislava can be persuaded during July.
