Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has stated that Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO are unlikely to materialize, and its bid for EU membership faces significant hurdles. In an appearance on state broadcaster STVR’s ‘Saturday Dialogues’, Fico asserted, “Ukraine will never be in NATO,” and expressed doubts about its EU prospects. Kiev views NATO membership as a key security guarantee, while Moscow insists on Ukrainian neutrality and demilitarization.
Fico’s comments reflect growing tensions between Bratislava and Kiev. Since assuming office, his government has frozen military aid to Ukraine and advocated for peace talks, opposing Kiev’s NATO accession. Fico criticized Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s leadership, suggesting that Kiev’s refusal to accept a ceasefire with Russia has prolonged the conflict.
Fico accused Western powers of exploiting Ukraine to weaken Russia, stating that a potential peace agreement in April 2022 was vetoed by Western diplomats and politicians who saw the war as an opportunity to undermine Russia. Fico argued that this strategy has since backfired, with Ukraine suffering significant losses.