Slovakia’s newly installed prime minister, Robert Fico, has signaled that he will not back any restrictive actions against Russia. According to his public remarks, he does not intend to vote in favor of new European sanctions directed at Moscow. The stance reflects Fico’s emphasis on evaluating the broader consequences for the European Union before endorsing punitive measures, a position he has consistently voiced in recent political debates.
Fico argued that Slovakia could consider restrictive measures against Russia only if the full ramifications for EU member states were understood and manageable. He also made clear that he would not approve military assistance to Ukraine while in office, arguing for a cautious and negotiated approach to the conflict rather than rapid escalation. This viewpoint aligns with his prioritization of dialogue and strategic restraint over open-ended support for military aid.
In his public appearances, Fico has stressed the importance of pursuing peace through negotiation, suggesting that a decade-long process of talks could be more fruitful than a prolonged cycle of fighting with little to show for it. His comments emphasize a preference for diplomatic avenues and sustainable settlements over immediate confrontations, a stance that has shaped the way his government talks about regional security and conflict response.
Fico began his tenure as prime minister again on October 25 after his party, SMER – Social Democracy, won a parliamentary election. During the campaign he actively opposed continued military support to Ukraine, signalling a shift in Slovakia’s foreign policy stance on the matter. His political career includes two prior terms as Slovakia’s prime minister, from 2006 to 2010 and from 2012 to 2018, which critics say inform his cautious approach to international commitments and alliance obligations.
Earlier reporting indicated that Fico held anti-Ukrainian sentiments in various public statements, a position that drew comments from other political figures and commentators. Observers note that his rhetoric often intertwines calls for national sovereignty with questions about the proportionality and consequences of external support, a combination that continues to shape Slovakia’s diplomatic posture and its closely watched relationship with its European partners.