Slovak PM Robert Fico Reiterates Call for Ukraine-Russia Dialogue, Citing No Military Solution

Fico Urges Dialogue Amidst Ongoing Conflict

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has once again asserted that the war in Ukraine 'has no military solution,' calling for direct dialogue with the Russian Federation to end the hostilities. His remarks were made on Sunday, February 15, 2026, during a press conference in Bratislava, where he met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Fico warned that continued fighting would only result in 'hundreds of thousands of deaths and a stronger position of Russian Federation'.

Criticism of Western Strategy and Sanctions

Prime Minister Fico has been a vocal critic of the European Union's approach to the conflict, suggesting that the bloc prioritizes military support over peace initiatives. 'If the EU spent as much energy on peace as it does on supporting the war in Ukraine, the war could have been over long ago,' Fico stated. He also questioned the efficacy of sanctions against Moscow, asking, 'how many of them do we need so that we could stop the progress of Russian Army?' Fico advocates for European countries to prioritize diplomacy and peace initiatives, rather than focusing on punitive measures or military aid.

Slovakia's Stance on Aid and NATO

Under Fico's leadership, Slovakia has ceased providing military aid to Ukraine from its state reserves, a policy implemented since his return to office in 2023. He has consistently maintained that Slovakia will send 'no soldier, no weapons, no war loan' to Ukraine. While expressing support for Ukraine's aspirations to join the EU, Fico has qualified this by stating that Kyiv must meet all necessary criteria, and has previously noted that other Western Balkan candidates are '100 times better prepared for accession than Ukraine'. Fico has also previously vowed to block Ukraine's entry into NATO, considering it a fundamental prerequisite for any peaceful settlement.

Consistent Position and International Reaction

Fico's recent statements are consistent with his long-held views since becoming Prime Minister for his current term. He has repeatedly called for a peaceful resolution and dialogue, even justifying Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2025 by citing 'serious security reasons' for Moscow. These positions have drawn strong reactions, with Ukraine expressing 'deep disappointment' and accusing Fico of acting as 'the Kremlin's mouthpiece', suggesting his rhetoric undermines relations and EU unity.