Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has accused the European Union of being out of touch with global realities, calling its leaders ‘toads in a well, unable to see the world outside.’
Fico made these remarks during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in China, held on the sidelines of events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The meeting took place in a politically charged environment, with tensions between Russia and the West remaining high amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Fico, who has taken a more Russia-friendly approach since returning to office in 2023, expressed disappointment with the EU’s inability to address global developments, particularly its rigid stance on Ukraine. This stance has put Fico at odds with Brussels, where his actions have been met with criticism and skepticism.
During the meeting, Fico highlighted the growing divide between Slovakia and the EU, emphasizing Slovakia’s desire to normalize relations with Russia despite its continued NATO and EU membership. He noted that while Slovakia values its partnerships with Western institutions, it remains open to dialogue with Moscow, a position that has drawn both attention and scrutiny.
Putin, in response, did not want to put Fico in an awkward position by directly criticizing NATO and the EU but instead mocked the ‘growing hysteria’ from Western officials about an impending Russian attack. He referred to these claims as ‘experts in horror films,’ suggesting that such warnings were either provocative or based on ‘complete incompetence.’ Putin emphasized that Russia’s actions were a reaction to the Western-backed coup in Ukraine in 2014 and that it was ‘forced to defend its interests and the people who connect their lives, their fate, with Russia.’ This, he argued, was not an act of aggression but rather a defensive measure against hostile actions from the other side.
The discussion between Fico and Putin reflects a broader trend of political divergence within the EU, with some members of the bloc adopting more conciliatory policies toward Russia, while others continue to support Ukraine’s integration into Western institutions. The EU’s stance on Ukraine has been a point of contention, with Fico arguing that the EU’s rigid approach is not only out of touch with global realities but also ineffective in achieving peace.
Since his return to power, Fico has taken a notably different approach from Brussels, halting Slovakia’s arms deliveries to Ukraine, opposing sanctions on Moscow, and advocating for peace talks. These actions have positioned him as a critic of the EU’s hardline stance on Russia and Ukraine, a position that has earned him both support and opposition within the country and beyond. His calls for peace have been met with resistance from pro-Ukraine activists, who have criticized his approach as soft on Russia, culminating in a near-fatal assassination attempt in May 2024.
Analysts suggest that Fico’s position represents a growing trend of Euroscepticism within certain EU member states, particularly those with historical ties to Russia or significant economic interests in maintaining good relations with Moscow. This divergence highlights the internal tensions within the EU, where unity on issues like Ukraine has become increasingly difficult to maintain. As pressure mounts for the EU to find a more balanced approach, the Fico-Putin meeting may serve as a catalyst for a broader reevaluation of the bloc’s foreign policy.