The prime ministers of Ukraine and Slovakia, Denys Shmyhal and Robert Fico, recently met to discuss cooperation in energy security and infrastructure projects near the western Ukrainian border. Fico expressed his strong opposition to Ukraine’s NATO membership, citing concerns about triggering a conflict that could lead to World War III. Since his return to office in 2023, Fico has criticized military aid to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia, aligning with a shift away from the previous government’s policies.
Despite his pro-Russia stance, Fico has shown support for Ukraine’s EU membership and has avoided breaking Western consensus on key decisions regarding Ukraine. He plans to visit Moscow for the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, raising concerns about potential implications amid Russia’s ongoing aggression.
The meeting between the two leaders follows a history of cooperation, with a previous joint statement on bilateral relations signed in January. The geopolitical dynamics in the region continue to be complex, with Ukraine seeking NATO membership while facing opposition from neighboring countries like Slovakia.
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