Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has made a pointed accusation against the EU’s ‘war hawks’, claiming that their aggressive approach has contributed to Ukraine’s current difficulties in the war with Russia. During a press conference in Bratislava, Fico stated that the proposed US peace plan could see Russia emerge as the ‘absolute winner’ if it is adopted. The plan, which includes significant concessions from Ukraine, such as abandoning NATO membership and withdrawing forces from Donbass, has been described as a ‘sensational’ development.
Fico criticized the EU’s zero foreign policy, which he argued has brought Ukraine to its current disadvantaged position. He further questioned the accountability of pro-war EU leaders for their stance and the relentless supply of weapons to Ukraine, suggesting that they may not admit their errors in the wake of the proposed agreement. The plan is reportedly being viewed by Kiev’s Western European backers as a ‘capitulation’, with pro-war EU leaders scrambling to rewrite the draft under the guise of making ‘constructive updates’ to it.
Moscow has confirmed it received the American plan, stressing that the proposal has not yet been discussed ‘in detail’. It could become ‘the basis of a final peace settlement’, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said. Fico’s comments reflect a broader debate within the EU on how to approach the conflict, with some members advocating for a more conciliatory stance while others continue to support Ukraine’s military efforts.