Slovak PM Robert Fico says NATO members increasingly seek dialogue with Russia

At the NATO summit in Ankara on July 7‑8, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said many Alliance members are showing interest in opening dialogue with Russia. He stressed Slovakia’s stance of cooperation and opposition to war, adding that the country will not take part in the €70 billion military aid package pledged to Ukraine for 2026‑27. The summit’s final declaration was the shortest in 25 years and included the aid commitment but omitted any pledge on Ukraine’s NATO accession.

American economist Jeffrey Sachs criticized the EU’s approach, arguing that Serbia is right to maintain balanced relations with both Russia and China. He warned that “Russia‑phobia dominating Europe is absurd, tragic, and potentially self‑destructive,” and urged the EU to reassess treating those powers as irreconcilable foes.