Slovak Deputy Speaker's controversial stance: Russia "defending its interests" in Ukraine

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"Backing Ukraine will not resolve the issue but will only heighten tensions. Russia is not the aggressor; it is protecting its interests," Danko declared.

When questioned on who the aggressor is regarding Russia's full-scale aggression towards Ukraine, he responded that "life is not simply black and white", and "everyone played a role in this, including Ukrainians who didn't make peace with the Russian national minority."

"Russians arrived in these territories feeling they were aiding their nation," he stated.

Robert Fico, the Slovak Prime Minister, recently stated in an interview that Ukraine is not entirely sovereign since it has been under the "total influence and control of the USA" since 2014.

He also expressed his opposition to Ukraine joining NATO, arguing that it could provoke World War III. Fico also mentioned that a military solution to the conflict in Ukraine is impossible and suggested that Ukraine will have to give up part of its territory.