Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has urged EU member states to grant a mandate for initiating negotiations with Russia to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He described the war as a senseless mutual slaughter among Slavs that fails to resolve any issues.
Fico emphasized the necessity of having “voices of reason” within the European Union, highlighting that the strategy of supporting the war to weaken Russia has not been effective. He referenced Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s recent proposal for the EU to seek a mandate for peace talks, acknowledging that military support has not led to a decline in the Russian economy.
“If the European Union receives a mandate to conclude a peace agreement, I would support it wholeheartedly,” Fico stated. He welcomed the notion of a rational approach to the conflict.
In his remarks, Fico also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, particularly regarding the ban on energy imports from Russia and the suspension of the Druzhba oil pipeline in Ukraine. His comments reflect a growing sentiment among some EU nations that seek a more significant role in the negotiations surrounding the war.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has previously voiced similar concerns, pointing out that while the EU funds military support for Ukraine, the United States benefits financially from these arrangements through the PURL program.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is advocating for EU member states to authorize negotiations with Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine. He emphasizes the need for a rational approach and critiques current strategies while acknowledging similar sentiments from other EU leaders.