Bratislava: Slovakia’s Prime Minister, Robert Fico, made bold statements on Saturday, asserting that Ukraine is not an independent state but is, in fact, under the influence and control of the United States.
The populist leader, known for opposing military aid to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia, restated his objection to Ukraine joining NATO during an interview on the television channel RTVS.
“Ukraine is not an independent and sovereign country,” Fico declared. “Ukraine is totally influenced and controlled by the USA.”
Despite Slovakia being a member of both NATO and the EU, Fico is set to meet with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in Uzhhorod, near the Slovak border, on Wednesday.
“I will express my opposition to Ukraine’s NATO membership, and I will veto it. It will only lay the groundwork for a third world war, nothing else,” Fico stated emphatically. “I will confirm that he will not receive weapons from the Slovak military or the state.”
Furthermore, Fico accused Ukraine of being “one of the most corrupt nations in the world,” expressing skepticism about aid reaching its intended recipients.
“Only the gods know how much of the aid sent to you disappears,” he added.
Fico emphasized his belief that a military solution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine is not viable and suggested a compromise involving territorial concessions from Ukraine to bring an end to the war.
“There needs to be a painful compromise for both sides,” he argued.
While Slovakia has been identified as one of the most pro-Russian countries in the EU, Fico’s criticism stands out. Notably, it was Hungary that vetoed an EU package of 50 million euros to Ukraine in December, not Slovakia.
Fico, who assumed power in Slovakia in October of the previous year, has served as prime minister multiple times in the past.
