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Slovakia to block Ukraine’s NATO membership, says PM Fico

Robert Fico believes that Ukraine’s NATO membership could lead to a third world war.
byYevheniia Martyniuk
21/12/2023
2 minute read
Fico slovakia ukraine aid
Slovakia’s election winner Robert Fico, known for his anti-Ukrainian rhetoric, is unlikely to follow in Viktor Orban’s footsteps. Photo: TASR
Slovakia to block Ukraine’s NATO membership, says PM Fico

In a radio interview, Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico stated that he would veto Ukraine’s NATO membership.

“The party that holds the majority in the Slovak government will not agree to Ukraine’s NATO membership, as that would be the beginning of World War III,” he said.

Fico opposes Ukraine joining NATO and claims to have expressed this stance in a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. He is less concerned about Ukraine joining the EU, noting it could take years.

“If making an overstated political gesture was necessary to support Ukraine, I would have no issue with that…but Ukraine would have to meet all the conditions,” Fico said.

The pro-Russian politician Robert Fico won Slovakia’s parliamentary elections this fall. He and other Slovakian officials have repeatedly stated they would halt weapons supplies to Ukraine. However, Kyiv says it does not foresee problems with Fico’s government. 

Why does it matter? Fico echoes Russia’s objections, reinforcing its strong opposition to Ukraine joining NATO, perceived as an infringement on Russia’s influence. Fico’s “World War III” rhetoric closely mirrors Russian narratives, potentially bolstering Putin’s resistance to Ukraine’s Western alignment.

Ukraine applied to join NATO over a year ago but has not received an invitation yet. Meanwhile, at last week’s summit, the European Union decided to start membership talks with Ukraine on the condition it meets several requirements.

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