Slovakia’s Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar has called for returning to respect for international law and engaging in dialogue with Russia as a means to end the war in Ukraine. His comments were made on June 29, emphasizing the need for diplomacy rather than continuing the conflict on the battlefield. Blanar’s remarks come as Slovakia requests a delay in adopting the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia, which are set to be postponed until decisions on the RePowerEU initiative are made. This reflects a growing divergence in Slovakia’s position from the rest of the European Union and NATO, which have taken a more resolute stance on supporting Ukraine.
Blanar’s call for forgiveness for Russia’s actions has sparked debate within Slovakia and among its allies. Critics argue that such a stance undermines the principles of international law and may embolden further aggression from Moscow. However, supporters of the minister’s position argue that engaging in dialogue with Russia is essential to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and that imposing economic sanctions alone will not bring an end to the war.
Under Prime Minister Robert Fico, Slovakia has adopted a more conciliatory tone toward Russia, including continuing diplomatic engagement while most Western nations cut ties following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Fico’s administration has also halted Slovak military support for Ukraine upon taking office in 2023, but he has paradoxically voiced support for Ukraine’s European Union membership, stating that ‘Ukraine’s EU membership brings more advantages than disadvantages for Slovakia.’
Blanar’s comments mark another example of how Slovakia’s leadership is diverging from the broader pro-Ukraine stance of the EU and NATO. While most European Union members have taken a firm stance in support of Ukraine, Slovakia’s approach has been more moderate, prioritizing diplomatic engagement over military confrontation. This stance has led to tensions with other EU countries, which have criticized Slovakia’s reluctance to fully support Ukraine’s defense efforts and its willingness to engage with Russia.
Despite the criticism, Slovakia has not abandoned its support for Ukraine’s European Union membership. Fico has expressed that Ukraine’s EU membership would bring more advantages than disadvantages for Slovakia, suggesting that he sees potential for economic and political benefits from Ukraine’s integration into the European Union. However, this stance has not prevented Slovakia from engaging in diplomatic talks with Russia, which some view as a sign of growing European fatigue with the war and an increasing desire to find a diplomatic resolution.
Blanar’s remarks have also raised questions about the future of EU solidarity on the issue of Russia’s actions in Ukraine. While the European Union has generally taken a unified stance in support of Ukraine, Slovakia’s more moderate position may indicate a shift in the region’s approach to the conflict. This could have implications for the broader EU response to Russia’s actions, as well as for the future of the war in Ukraine itself.