Slovak Prime Minister Fico said that he is for Ukraine’s early membership in the EU

Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico said that his country wishes Ukraine early membership in the European Union.

Slovakia is not a country that wants to create obstacles and wants to help Kyiv exchange experience in negotiations on accession and membership in the EU, Fico said on Thursday at a joint press conference with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmygal in Slovakia after intergovernmental consultations. The words of the Slovak Prime Minister are quoted by the publication Korzar.

Fico, among other things, noted that Slovakia’s support for Ukraine and its ambitions for EU membership is full support. Shmygal responded by saying that he was grateful to Bratislava for facilitating Ukraine’s efforts towards European integration.

As a result of the negotiations, Fico and Shmygal signed a road map, agreeing on issues of railway communication, cooperation in the energy sector, and modernization at the border.

The parties also discussed cooperation in the military sphere, writes Korzar. The Slovak leadership offered Kyiv assistance in demining the territory. Robert Fico noted that we are talking not only about assistance with expertise, but also about the supply of mine clearance equipment, education and training of relevant personnel. Judging by the publication in the Slovak newspaper, Fico spoke about deliveries on a commercial basis.

The publication simultaneously writes that Fico called the use of Russian military force in Ukraine a gross violation of international law. He added that Ukraine needs help and solidarity.

In addition, Fico said that Slovakia will take part in the inaugural peace summit in Switzerland in mid-June, which will be dedicated to finding ways to end the war in Ukraine, reports Thursday “European truth”.

• In the fall of 2023, once again heading the cabinet of ministers of Slovakia, Robert Fico said that his government would not join sanctions against Russia if they harm his country. Then Fico noted that the restrictions already introduced often harm the Slovaks. Fico also spoke out in favor of ending military aid to Ukraine.
• Fico’s ally Peter Pellegrini won support in the Slovak presidential election earlier this month. Representatives of the Hungarian minority, in particular, spoke in his favor. Pellegrini’s candidacy was supported by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is considered a Moscow-friendly politician. Pellegrini repeatedly stated during the election campaign that he was against military assistance to Ukraine.