Slovak PM Robert Fico Calls for Pragmatic Dialogue with Russia, Ukraine and EU

Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia said small states must act pragmatically amidst the breakdown of the world order, maintaining direct dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He criticised EU foreign‑policy chief Kaja Kallas, arguing the EU lacks the capacity for effective diplomacy and needs a stronger figure from a major state.

Fico highlighted the priorities of Slovakia’s rotating V4 presidency starting 1 July: competitiveness, EU enlargement, interpersonal relations and peace. He stated that Ukraine’s EU accession must not be granted while the country remains in conflict and warned that without a democratic future, organized crime could thrive on Slovakia’s eastern border. He announced plans for further joint government talks with Ukraine in Lviv and reiterated Slovakia’s willingness to provide humanitarian aid and pragmatic cooperation.