Slovak PM Fico stuns with surprise remarks on Ukraine-Russia peace deal
Robert Fico (photo: Getty Images)
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has unexpectedly stated that no peace agreement with Russia is possible without Ukraine's consent.
Earlier today, on May 2, the Slovak prime minister held a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Afterward, he made a series of remarks that differed from his usual rhetoric on Ukraine.
According to Fico, despite differing views on some issues, he and Zelenskyy share a common interest in "good and friendly relations between Slovakia and Ukraine."
Moreover, he confirmed that Bratislava supports Ukraine's ambitions to join the EU, as Slovakia wants its neighbor to be "a stable and democratic country."
In particular, the Slovak prime minister outlined his position on a potential future peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia.
"I also emphasized that no peace agreement in the military conflict with the Russian Federation is possible without the consent of the Ukrainian side," Fico wrote.
He added that during the conversation with Zelenskyy, they agreed to meet on Monday, May 4, in Yerevan, Armenia, at the European Political Community Summit, continue work through joint government meetings, and exchange visits to each other's capitals.
What are the latest known details?
On May 2, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also confirmed the phone call with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, stressing that both sides are interested in improving relations between their countries.
Media also reported that after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's defeat in the elections, Fico said Slovakia would not oppose the unblocking of €90 billion in aid for Ukraine.
He also said Slovakia would support the EU's 20th sanctions package against Russia, but only after the restoration of oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline. As a result, the loan was ultimately approved, and the 20th sanctions package was successfully passed.
