Slovakia will not assist NATO in war, Fico indicates
Photo: Robert Fico (Getty Images)
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that his country's membership in NATO is important to him. However, he hinted that in the event of a war, he does not want Slovakia to be dragged into it under Article 5 of the Alliance, according to his speech published on Facebook.
During his address, he stated that he fears how loud militant speeches sound in Europe. According to him, the situation regarding the possibility of a pan-European military conflict has never been as serious and tense as it is now.
Fico added that he did not want Slovakia to become involved in a military conflict through Article 5. He said that although Slovakia was a member of NATO, respected this, valued cooperation, and cared about fulfilling its obligations, as prime minister he would do everything to ensure that Slovakia was never drawn into a military conflict.
He also said that today, September 18, he will arrive in Ukraine for a visit and meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and new Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi. In addition, a number of other European prime ministers will arrive.
In this context, Fico again said that he fears war and therefore wants to discuss it seriously.
What is important to know
Recently, defense officials told Reuters that NATO needs to modernize certain weapons and warfighting tactics because they are outdated. Ukraine is cited as an example of rapid adaptation.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda believes that Russia may deliberately launch drones into Europe to keep European countries in a state of constant tension. He believes that Moscow consciously allows such incidents.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that four-day military exercises had begun in Belarus near the borders with Poland and Lithuania. These maneuvers are taking place at several training grounds, including near the Suwałki Corridor.
