Slovakia's Stance on Ukraine Aid: A Different Path

Slovakia has chosen not to join the EU's plan to fund Ukraine's military efforts. This decision comes from Prime Minister Robert Fico, who took office in 2023. His government stopped state military aid to Ukraine but still allows private sales. Fico believes the war in Ukraine won't be solved by fighting. He made this clear during a recent news conference. He said, \"I won't let Slovakia be part of any financial plan to help Ukraine with the war. \" The EU recently agreed to support Ukraine's financial needs for the next two years. However, they didn't agree on using frozen Russian assets to give Ukraine a huge loan. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy wants this money to boost Ukraine's defense. Fico also criticizes EU sanctions against Russia. He thinks these sanctions hurt Europe more than Russia. Slovakia and Hungary, both reliant on Russian energy, face new U. S. sanctions on Russian oil companies. Fico said his country's refinery, Slovnaft, isn't directly affected. Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban is looking for ways to avoid these sanctions. Fico, however, hasn't commented much on the issue. This situation shows how different countries handle the war in Ukraine. Some support military aid, while others prefer different approaches. It's a complex issue with no easy answers.