Slovak PM downplays Ukraine's struggle, asserting Russia is invincible

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On the occasion of the second anniversary of the war's inception in Ukraine, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico shared a video on social media wherein he talks about the "unwarranted demonization" of Vladimir Putin.

Fico stated that the war, which began back in 2014, was instigated by an "explosion of fury from Ukrainian neo-Nazis", who, according to him, "ran amok". Fico shared his belief that despite being so close to signing a peace agreement, the West hindered the Ukrainians. However, he did not provide any details about what such an agreement might entail.

"For two years, we've been forced to stand by and witness the slaughter of Slavs in a conflict that suits certain individuals in the West", Fico wrote on Facebook, sharing a recording of a radio interview. Fico posits that Russia was "deceived" with the empty promise that NATO would not stretch its bounds towards the east. However, currently, Ukraine's possible accession is taken under consideration, which, according to Fico, might ignite the "commencement of World War III".

According to the Slovak Prime Minister, the strategy implemented by the West has failed and Russia remains unfazed, both politically and economically. He argues that it's naive to assume that a nuclear power such as Russia could be subdued in a conventional war. He also shared his opinion that the European Union should put forward a peace plan. Furthermore, he reaffirmed that Slovakia will not provide Ukraine with military support.

Despite his statements, Fico conceded that Russia's invasion of Ukraine breached international law.

Slovakia's President, Zuzana Čaputová, takes an opposing viewpoint. On the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, she highlighted that Ukraine is battling to preserve its sovereignty and national integrity. She also expressed gratitude to the Slovaks who, from the initial days of aggression, offered support and conveyed solidarity with Ukraine. Čaputová asserted that it is in Slovakia's best interest to have a peaceful and developing neighbouring country, like Ukraine.