Fico Views the EU and NATO with Skepticism, Comparing Them to a Frog at the Bottom of a Well: Key Statements During Meeting with Putin
In a recent episode of diplomatic exchanges, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico expressed a sharp critique of European policies and some of their aspects during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
Discussing the situation in Ukraine, he shared his views on the implementation of EU sanctions and the bloc’s response to Russian aggression.
Fico notably compared the EU to a frog at the bottom of a well, unable to see the broader picture of international developments, which has sparked widespread reactions among diplomatic circles and led to criticism from European politicians and analysts.The Prime Minister emphasized that Slovakia’s stance on Ukraine remains unchanged – the country does not seek NATO membership.
At the same time, he stated that accession to the European Union remains a possibility, highlighting the importance of cooperation within the European community.
Fico also confirmed that Bratislava would vote against the EU Commission’s plan called Repower EU, aimed at phasing out Russian fossil fuels by 2027, and assured that Slovak companies would continue working in the Russian market, citing economic interests.Interestingly, Fico attempted to justify his meeting with Putin as a channel for information exchange between Russia and the EU, trying to mitigate criticism.
He also commented on Trump’s meeting with Putin and repeated Kremlin narratives regarding Ukraine.
Additionally, Putin recommended that Fico restrict oil and gas supplies to Ukraine, claiming it would help Kyiv comprehend the importance of respecting international rules and not infringing on foreign interests.