Slovak PM calls Ukraine war 'frozen conflict'
Photo: Robert Fico, Prime Minister of Slovakia (Getty Images)
The war in Ukraine is a "frozen conflict" that supposedly cannot be resolved by sending weapons to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, according to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
After a meeting with his Czech counterpart Petr Fiala in Prague on Friday, Fico stated that he considers the war between Ukraine and Russia a "frozen conflict." He also said that it would be better for the Russian and Ukrainian sides to sit down for negotiations. However, he did not specify how to achieve that.
Fiala, on the other hand, stated that the Czech Republic is a staunch supporter of Ukraine and supplies it with heavy weapons and other armaments.
"There’s no doubt we (with Fico) have different views of some issues," said the Czech Prime Minister.
Slovakia wants to find out what assistance to provide to Ukraine
Fico stated that he respects the position of the Czech Republic and reiterated that Slovakia is ready to provide humanitarian or other assistance to Ukraine.
He mentioned that he does not see the point of going to Kyiv but announced that he will talk on the phone with his Ukrainian counterpart Denis Shmyhal about what the country needs before the upcoming winter.
The report notes that, in addition to stopping the supply of weapons, Fico is also against EU sanctions against Russia and wants to hinder Ukraine's accession to NATO.
Fico's position
As a NATO member, Slovakia is a center for manufacturers of artillery ammunition and heavy military equipment, such as howitzers, some of which were sent to Ukraine.
The previous right-center government of the country strongly supported Ukraine and supplied military equipment, including combat vehicles, as well as S-300 air defense systems and MiG-29 aircraft.
The new Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, stated that Bratislava would not support providing military assistance to Ukraine to fight against Russian aggression.
Recently, the parliament of Slovakia approved the government of Prime Minister Robert Fico, supporting a political program that promises to stop state military aid to Ukraine.
