Slovak Prime Minister robert Fico is voicing strong reservations about a proposed U.S. peace plan for Ukraine, publicly acknowledging the plan appears to favor Russia and cautioning against its implementation without direct Ukrainian involvement [[1]]. Speaking from an EU summit in Angola, Fico drew parallels to the 1938 munich Agreement, highlighting historical sensitivities regarding decisions made about nations without their consent. His comments underscore growing divisions within the European Union over strategy as the conflict continues [[2]], [[3]].
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has cautioned against moving forward with a U.S. peace plan for Ukraine without the direct involvement of Kyiv, warning of a potential repeat of the 1938 Munich Agreement.
Speaking at an informal summit in Angola, Fico stated that any negotiations concerning Ukraine’s future must include Ukraine itself, emphasizing the historical sensitivity of nations formerly part of Czechoslovakia to decisions made about other states without their consent. “Nations of the former Czechoslovakia should be particularly sensitive to any decisions about the fate of another state without its free consent,” he said.
Fico had previously described the American peace proposal as “bombastic” and beneficial to Russia. He also called for a more active role from the European Union in the diplomatic process. “I think that at this stage of negotiations on a peace plan, the union could slightly improve its image as a significant international organization, which, however, does not have its own foreign policy or the ability to influence the most serious world events,” he added.
The Slovak leader also expressed reservations about proposals to utilize frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s military needs in 2026 and 2027, arguing that such a move could lead to legal challenges and potential retaliation from Moscow. He further suggested that using the funds to support the war would send the wrong signal.
“Not only because it could lead to serious legal disputes and Russian retaliation, but also because it would be a clear signal that the EU continues to support the war,” Fico stated. He proposed that the frozen assets would be better allocated to the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine.
Fico also raised concerns about corruption within Ukraine, stating, “It would be a hundred times better” to use the assets for rebuilding the country “without mentioning the corruption atmosphere in which further billions of euros are to be poured into Ukraine.” His comments followed a recent corruption scandal involving high-ranking Ukrainian officials.
“The proposal to confiscate frozen Russian assets and use them to finance the war in Ukraine is so serious and has such consequences that the Slovak parliament should also discuss it before the European Council meeting,” the prime minister concluded.
The statements from Bratislava come as international discussions continue regarding potential pathways to peace in Ukraine and the financial implications of the ongoing conflict. Fico’s remarks highlight a growing divergence of opinion within the European Union regarding the best course of action.
