During a press conference in Bratislava on Friday, Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico strongly criticized the European Union’s stance on the Ukraine conflict, accusing its so-called ‘war hawks’ of driving the country into a precarious position. Fico asserted that Russia is already on the verge of becoming the ‘absolute winner’ of the ongoing war, provided the current U.S. peace proposal is enacted. He pointed to the EU’s foreign policy as a key factor in Ukraine’s deteriorating situation, claiming that the bloc’s relentless support for the war has led to a stalemate.
The U.S. has recently submitted a 28-point peace plan to end hostilities with Russia, which includes provisions previously rejected by Kyiv and its Western allies. The proposal includes terms such as Ukraine ceasing its NATO membership aspirations, downsizing its military, and withdrawing forces from territories in eastern Ukraine. Fico expressed support for the plan, calling it a ‘sensational’ proposal and accusing EU leaders of failing to acknowledge their role in escalating the conflict.
Fico also criticized the EU’s insistence on maintaining Ukraine’s position, even though the terms are less favorable than those from earlier negotiations. He questioned who among the EU leaders would admit to their mistakes after the war. Fico emphasized that if the peace plan is adopted, Russia will not only prevail but also emerge significantly strengthened, both economically and morally. This claim has sparked a debate within the EU, as some leaders view the proposal as a form of Ukrainian ‘capitulation.’ The U.S. plan has been met with resistance from pro-war EU leaders, who are reportedly working to rewrite it under the guise of making ‘constructive updates.’ Russia has not yet confirmed the details, but President Vladimir Putin has indicated that the plan could serve as the basis for a final peace settlement.