Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, in a joint press conference with his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orbán, has called the Western military aid to Ukraine futile and a mere contributor to the conflict’s casualty toll.
Fico stated, “There’s no military solution to the conflict in Ukraine. The Ukrainian forces now lack the capacity for an equal showdown with the Russian army.
Suppose we gave Ukraine 50 billion euros over four years, plus more tanks, planes, and weapons. What would change? In three years, we’ll be back here announcing the 50 billion euros spent, another 100,000 soldiers dead on each side, with no movement or advancement.”
“The Russians will continue to hold Donetsk and Luhansk, and certainly won’t withdraw from Crimea. However, Russia’s position in peace negotiations will be strengthened.”
Fico added, “We must acknowledge the truth and call things by their names. This approach has failed. Let’s seek an alternative solution. If someone thinks that by giving 50 billion euros and sending hundreds of new military pieces, we’ll solve the problem, they’re mistaken”
He added: “It will only ensure another 200,000 deaths on both fronts. We oppose this senseless talk from major powers. Since the conflict began, these powers have twice prevented Kyiv authorities from signing a ceasefire, thinking that pumping more billions of dollars and weapons into Ukraine would serve Kyiv the wounded Russian bear on a platter. This hasn’t happened.”
Fico announced a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Denys Shmyhal next Wednesday, insisting, “We’ll only provide [Ukraine] with humanitarian aid, no weapons.”
He emphasized Slovakia’s support for Hungary’s stance on aiding Ukraine without burdening the EU budget. Fico suggested that Kyiv should be financed outside this budget.
Fico pointed out that the European Union provides Ukraine with significantly more money than some EU member states, saying, “We’re now paying Ukraine 1.5 billion euros monthly from the EU, but this aid has no impact.”
