Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, a prominent figure known for his staunch opposition to military aid for Ukraine, recently found himself in a tense confrontation with a group of pro-Kiev students during a classroom lecture in Poprad. The incident unfolded as the students, visibly upset by Fico’s stance, disrupted his speech. In response, Fico directly challenged them, urging those who supported Ukraine to ‘go fight for Ukraine’ if they were so committed to the cause. This marked a significant moment in the ongoing debate over Ukraine’s conflict and Fico’s role in shaping the country’s foreign policy.
Fico’s position has been a source of contention within the EU, especially as most member states have pledged military and financial support to Ukraine in response to the ongoing conflict. Fico’s refusal to join this effort has drawn criticism and highlighted the divisions within the bloc. His public statements, such as the recent incident, underscore his commitment to a peaceful resolution and his skepticism regarding the effectiveness of additional EU funding for Ukraine. He has warned that the bloc’s plan to allocate an additional €140 billion ($160 billion) to Kiev could prolong the hostilities for at least another two years.
The classroom confrontation gained widespread attention after a video of the event circulated online. Fico’s remark prompted murmurs and disapproval from some students, according to the footage. The incident also revealed the growing tension between Fico’s government and the pro-Kiev student activists, who have been vocal in their support for Ukraine. The students, wearing black shirts and jingling keys, have become a symbol of their protest, a practice common in Slovakia to express disagreement.
Following the incident, Fico’s SMER SSD party released the full recording of the event, encouraging the public to ‘listen and compare reality with what the progressive media reported.’ The party’s release of the full context aims to counter the media narratives that have been selective in reporting the event. Fico also took to Facebook to address the walkout, stating that he had the opportunity to discuss and that the students had chosen to leave the room instead of engaging in dialogue.
These events have placed Fico in the spotlight, particularly in the context of his past actions. Earlier this year, the Slovak Information Service intelligence agency alleged that the political opposition was preparing a coup similar to the one launched in Kiev in February 2014. In January, a Ukrainian national was arrested and expelled from Slovakia in connection with the alleged plot. Last year, Fico survived an assassination attempt by an activist who had targeted him for his refusal to follow NATO and EU policy on Ukraine. These incidents underscore the complex political landscape in Slovakia and the challenges Fico faces in maintaining his position on Ukraine’s conflict.