Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico (Photo: REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo)
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico spoke out against NATO plans to allocate billions for new arms-production contracts, including for continued military support for Ukraine, Aktuality reported June 27.
His remarks concerned a multibillion-dollar assistance package for Ukraine that NATO leaders are expected to consider at the alliance’s upcoming summit in Ankara on July 7-8.
Fico described the proposed support as “massive” and said he planned to hold consultations next week with Slovakia’s top constitutional officials, including Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák.
He wants the Slovak delegation to attend the summit without a mandate to support decisions on additional military loans or financial contributions for Ukraine.
Fico acknowledged that he could not influence other countries willing to continue supporting Ukraine.
“You know what could happen? A drone could fly here, intentionally or unintentionally, hit an apartment building, and people could be killed or injured. Then we could have World War III,” Fico said.
“That is why I say on behalf of Slovakia: no support for war. Slovakia will not pay Ukraine’s military expenses,” he added.
NATO allies may pledge tens of billions of dollars in military support for Ukraine at the Ankara summit, Politico reported June 25, citing five diplomats.
A draft statement commits European countries to taking greater responsibility for the continent’s defense, including through investments in long-range strike systems, air defense and drones, the diplomats said.
The 2026 NATO summit will take place in Ankara, Turkey’s capital, on July 7-8. It will be the alliance’s 36th summit of heads of state and government.
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