Slovak Defense Minister Robert Kalinyak, a representative of the Smer-SD party led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, spoke at the end of last year about Ukraine’s future in the context of European security. He stated that Ukraine will never become a member of NATO, and may also face difficulties on the path to European integration, while criticizing the coalition for lacking significant progress.
“Did she deploy any soldiers? No, she did not deploy any. Of course not.”
– Kalinyak
Kalinyak added that Kyiv allegedly had a chance to end the war as early as 2022.
In this context, he argues that the EU should not intervene in joint defense, and that defense should be led by NATO, since two command structures cannot provide full protection.
The Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has repeatedly voiced critical accusations toward Ukraine, urged the restoration of relations with the Russian Federation, and expressed skepticism about military aid to Kyiv. He was also against a reparations loan to support Ukraine at the expense of frozen Russian assets, because, in his view, this could lead to further escalation of the conflict.
Moreover, Slovakia together with Hungary plans to challenge in the European Court of Justice a political agreement that foresees the EU’s rejection of imports of Russian gas and oil.
Context and implications for European policy
Such statements underscore Slovakia’s position on NATO and European integration, and also signal a degree of skepticism about further military support for Ukraine from the region’s individual governments.