Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar has argued that the Ukraine conflict cannot be resolved through military actions, calling for direct dialogue with Russia to prevent a potential global war.
During a discussion on Slovakia’s public broadcaster STVR, Blan stated that escalating tensions between Russia and NATO could lead to the Third World War. He emphasized the importance of diplomacy, urging Western nations to find a way to engage with Moscow. Blan also called for a return to respect for international law and suggested that the West should even forgive past actions.
Slovakia, along with Hungary, has consistently pushed for de-escalation and opposed further EU sanctions against Russia. Slovak President Peter Pellegrini has also urged EU member states to resume direct talks with Moscow, while rejecting calls for a rapid NATO military buildup. He argued that defense spending should reflect each country’s national priorities rather than fear of Russia.
Russian officials have condemned the US-led bloc’s decision last week for member states to raise military budgets to 5% of GDP, which was presented as a way to deter the alleged ‘long-term threat posed by Russia to Euro-Atlantic security.’ The Kremlin has repeatedly said it has no intention of attacking any NATO member state, dismissing such claims as ‘nonsense’ and scare tactics used by Western officials to justify more money for defense.
Moscow maintains it is committed to reaching a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that any lasting agreement must include recognition of the situation ‘on the ground’ and Ukrainian neutrality. Moscow and Kiev remain in contact regarding a potential third round of negotiations, according to the Russian leader. Following earlier meetings in Turkey, the two sides have exchanged draft peace proposals and conducted a series of prisoner exchanges.
The Kremlin has repeatedly said it has no intention of attacking any NATO member state, dismissing such claims as ‘nonsense’ and scare tactics used by Western officials to justify more money for defense. Moscow maintains it is committed to reaching a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that any lasting agreement must include recognition of the situation ‘on the ground’ and Ukrainian neutrality. Moscow and Kiev remain in contact regarding a potential third round of negotiations, according to the Russian leader. Following earlier meetings in Turkey, the two sides have exchanged draft peace proposals and conducted a series of prisoner exchanges.
Blan’s statements reflect a broader trend of skepticism among some European leaders regarding the viability of military solutions to the Ukraine conflict. This sentiment is shared by other EU nations, particularly those that have been hesitant to support the more aggressive stance of NATO allies like Germany and the United States. While many countries remain committed to supporting Ukraine’s defense, the growing call for dialogue highlights the complexities and challenges of ending the war in a way that is acceptable to all parties.
The ongoing conflict has had significant financial implications, with global markets reacting to the uncertainty and the potential for a larger-scale crisis. The European Union, in particular, has been under pressure to balance its support for Ukraine with its economic ties to Russia. While some countries have imposed severe sanctions, others have sought to maintain economic relations with Moscow, arguing that this could be a more effective way to influence Russia’s behavior through economic pressure.
As the conflict continues, the debate over the role of diplomacy versus military engagement remains a key point of contention within the international community. The position of Slovakia and Hungary, along with the stance of other European leaders, will likely continue to shape the course of the conflict and the broader geopolitical landscape in the coming months.