Key facts
- Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico expressed concerns about the Russia-Ukraine war escalating.
- Fico questioned Slovakia's commitment to NATO's Article 5 collective defense principle.
- Fico stated he would work to prevent Slovakia from being drawn into an armed conflict.
- Fico accused European capitals of warmongering.
- Fico is scheduled to attend the Carpathian 8 Summit in Ukraine.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico raised concerns on September 17 about the escalating Russia-Ukraine war and questioned his country's commitment to NATO's collective defense principle. Fico, described as a Kremlin-friendly populist leader, stated that the war is "out of control" and the risk of a Europe-wide conflict is at its most serious level.
Speaking before a visit to Ukraine, Fico said, "I don't want Slovakia to be part of an armed conflict because of some Article 5," referring to the North Atlantic Treaty's clause that mandates mutual defense among member states. He affirmed that while Slovakia is in NATO and values its commitments, he would strive to prevent the country from being drawn into an armed conflict.