Monitor: Fico: Goal of Slovak Foreign Policy Is Not Defeat of Russia

(STVR, 'O 5 minut 12', 5 October) The goal of Slovakia's foreign policy is not the defeat of Russia, Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) stated on STVR's discussion programme 'O 5 minut 12' (Five Minutes to Twelve) on Sunday. Fico underlined that he will not allow Slovakia to be drawn into any kind of military "adventure" against Russia. The Smer-SD leader reiterated his rejection of war, even while acknowledging that Russia's use of military force violated international law. „It is not the aim of Slovakia's foreign policy, nor of the Slovak government I lead, to defeat the Russian Federation. Please, understand this once and for all. That is not our goal. Our goal is for the war in Ukraine to end as soon as possible, because it is Slavs killing each other," the Prime Minister declared. Fico added that if the European Union spent as much effort on peace as it does on supporting the war in Ukraine, the conflict could have been over long ago. „At this moment, there are no historical, legal, or moral reasons why Slovakia should be drawn into any adventure against the Russian Federation," Fico continued. The Prime Minister also said he does not believe Slovakia is equipped to reintroduce compulsory military service, considering the National Defence Forces project a good compromise. He emphasised that Slovakia currently lacks systems to protect strategic sites such as nuclear power plants, blaming former defence minister Jaroslav Nad (2020-23) for the situation. Fico noted that Slovakia still needs time before its F-16 fighter squadron is fully operational. „Our airspace continues to be protected primarily by fighter jets from Poland, the Czech Republic, and, I believe, Hungary, while preparations are under way for the Slovak squadron to take over these air defence tasks," Fico explained. The Prime Minister added that this was the reason behind the decision to purchase new fighter jets, allowing Slovakia to manage its own air defence. Regarding the potential Slovak involvement in an anti-drone defence initiative, Fico said he would not comment, as he believes there is no such project – only a technical discussion. "I have nothing to comment on," he concluded. mf