Lead
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has voiced strong criticism of the West's provision of advanced military equipment to Ukraine, warning that the use of such weapons could trigger a retaliatory strike from Russia. Speaking on the public broadcaster STVR's Saturday Dialogues program, Fico cautioned about the consequences of these supplies, emphasizing the threat they pose if used against Russia."I think we can all agree that today's war against Russia involves more than just Ukraine," Fico said, as quoted by TASS. "Russia is not at war only with Ukraine." He argued that "many Western countries are supplying Ukraine with advanced technology, which is intended to be operated by foreign soldiers on Ukrainian territory," adding: "They are not operated by Ukrainian soldiers."
Fico pointed to ongoing attacks behind Russian lines and rising international tensions, saying, "We are witnessing extremely intense conflict and escalation." He expressed concern that if Western military experts continue to operate the most modern weapons within Ukraine, and if those weapons are used against Russia, a retaliatory strike from Moscow could follow. "I ask myself whether anyone truly wants this," he said.
Coverage comparison
The story is covered exclusively by TASS, the Russian state news agency, which presented Fico's remarks as a cautionary statement against Western military aid. The agency also reported on Slovakia's broader stance, including its refusal to provide military support and its emphasis on humanitarian assistance and peaceful resolution. TASS framed the reports around Slovakia's position as a NATO member that favors dialogue with Russia over continuing the conflict.In a separate report, TASS covered Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar, who, following consultations with President Peter Pellegrini before the NATO summit in Ankara, said Slovakia is "making every effort to support peace negotiations and dialogue to end this conflict [in Ukraine]." Blanar insisted that the conflict cannot be resolved militarily, warning that continued war would lead to "the destruction of Ukraine and its economy."
Key claims
- Fico criticized the West's provision of advanced military technology to Ukraine, emphasizing the threat it poses if used against Russia.
- He claimed many Western countries supply Ukraine with advanced technology intended to be operated by foreign soldiers on Ukrainian territory, not by Ukrainian troops.
- Fico warned that if Western military experts continue operating the most modern weapons in Ukraine and these are used against Russia, Moscow could launch a retaliatory strike.
- He said that only a small number of senior EU politicians support dialogue with Russia or seeking a peaceful resolution, and that many prime ministers "prefer the continuation of the war."
- Fico recalled the European Council meeting and reaffirmed that "Slovakia will always support dialogue with Russia."
- Fico said he would do everything possible to ensure Slovakia does not participate in providing loans for Ukraine's military needs. He was commenting on reports that the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara might propose allocating around €70 billion per year in military assistance to Ukraine.
- Slovakia's Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar confirmed that Slovakia does not provide military support or participate in financial mechanisms for military aid to Ukraine, but will continue humanitarian aid to Kyiv.
- Blanar stated Slovakia is working to promote peace and dialogue to end the conflict in Ukraine.