Slovak PM openly opposes Ukrainian membership
Date
7/14/2024 5:31:37 AM
(MENAFN) Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has publicly voiced his opposition to Ukraine's potential membership in NATO, warning that such a move could trigger a third world war. Fico, who is currently recovering from an assassination attempt, released a video message on Thursday in response to reports that the draft of NATO's annual summit communique included references to Ukraine's "irreversible path" toward joining the alliance.
While acknowledging Ukraine's aspirations, Fico stated, “But its membership in NATO guarantees World War Three.” He further noted that the situation is precarious even without Ukraine's membership, suggesting that certain advanced democracies are already escalating tensions in the region.
Fico has directed Slovakia's representatives in Washington to advocate for two specific conditions regarding Ukraine's potential NATO membership: first, that Ukraine must meet all the criteria set forth by the alliance, and second, that every NATO member state must approve the membership. He emphatically stated, “Smer and its lawmakers in the National Assembly of Slovakia will not agree to Ukraine’s membership in NATO,” referring to his ruling party.
Fico campaigned on a platform that opposed both Ukrainian NATO membership and increased Slovak military support for Kiev, a stance that resonated with voters, leading to his election victory by a significant margin. His recent political challenges include a serious incident in mid-May when a liberal activist, reportedly frustrated with Bratislava's new policies, shot Fico multiple times in an assassination attempt, nearly taking his life. Following several surgeries, the prime minister has only just returned to work in person.
This ongoing debate underscores the complexities surrounding NATO expansion and the broader implications for regional security, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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