Key facts
- Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated Slovakia will not pledge aid to Ukraine at the upcoming NATO summit.
- The NATO summit is scheduled for July 7-8 in Turkey.
- NATO's draft statement includes a pledge of 70 billion euros in military support for Ukraine.
- Fico expressed concerns that further aid could lead to World War III.
- The United States is not expected to contribute to the proposed aid package.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced on June 27 that his country will not commit to providing financial or military aid to Ukraine at the upcoming NATO summit in Turkey. Fico described the proposed aid packages as "massive" and stated his intention to negotiate with Slovak Defense Minister Robert Kalinak to ensure Slovakia's delegation arrives without a mandate for further military loans or financial contributions.
The NATO summit, scheduled for July 7-8, is expected to test the alliance's unity amid significant rifts between member states. While previous summits focused on supporting Ukraine against Russia's invasion, this year's meeting will reportedly include a pledge of 70 billion euros (over $79 billion) in military support for Ukraine. Notably, the United States, under President Donald Trump, has significantly reduced its aid to Ukraine and is not expected to contribute to this new package.
Fico voiced concerns that increased involvement could escalate the conflict, potentially leading to World War III, referencing recent drone incursions into NATO territory, including an incident in Romania. He has been a consistent critic of military aid to Ukraine, sometimes aligning with narratives from the Kremlin. Fico previously met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and conveyed a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin.