Slovakia supports EU requests
Fico is surprisingly and clearly committed to Ukraine
April 11, 2024, 9:01 p.m
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The Slovakian head of government Fico, criticized by opponents as being too pro-Russian, finds clear words at a meeting with members of the Ukrainian government – for Ukraine and against Russia’s war of aggression. He calls the use of military force “a gross violation of international law.”
Four days after the presidential election in Slovakia, which was characterized, among other things, by the Ukraine course, the pro-Russian head of government Robert Fico expressed his support for Kiev for the first time. Russia’s use of military force in Ukraine is “a gross violation of international law,” Fico told journalists after a meeting with his Ukrainian colleague Denis Shmyhal in the town of Michalovce near the border. Kyiv needs help and solidarity.
Fico also renewed his call for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. However, a peaceful solution to the war must “respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,” he said.
“Full support” for EU aspirations
After the meeting with Shmyhal, Fico also expressed his approval of Ukraine’s intended accession to the EU. “The Slovak Republic’s support for Ukraine and its aspirations to become a member of the EU is not speculation,” he said. It is “full-fledged support”.
Schmyhal thanked Fico for his support and “for recognizing our sovereignty and territorial integrity.” He welcomed the comments as “an absolutely historic event for our countries, for our governments.”
Fico, whose fellow pro-Russian ally Peter Pellegrini won the presidential election in Slovakia at the weekend, had previously questioned the sovereignty of the neighboring country. The Ukraine course was also an important election campaign issue.
Since taking office in October, Fico had stopped Slovak military aid to Ukraine. The left-wing populist head of government has also spoken out against sanctions against Russia and rejects Ukraine’s application to join NATO.