Slovakia’s PM says there is no military solution to Russia-Ukraine conflict

By Anadolu staff

BERLIN (AA) - Slovakia’s Prime Minister renewed his call Wednesday for a political solution to the Russia-Ukraine war and stressed that a continuation of the war would only lead to more suffering and death.

“As Slovakia, we do not believe that the conflict in Ukraine can be resolved militarily,” Robert Fico said at a news conference in Berlin alongside Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

He dismissed criticism directed at his foreign policy and his reluctance to send more military aid to Ukraine.

“I would like to assure you that the center of my interests is not Russia, and not Ukraine, and also not the US. The center of my interests is Slovakia, our citizens, and the difficulties they are facing,” he said.

Fico, known as one of the more outspoken European leaders, underlined that if necessary diplomatic efforts are not undertaken, and the conflict runs into 2025, there will be more civilian suffering.

“If Ukraine today says the conflict is frozen, and preparing for the year 2025, the only change will be that there will be a lot more victims, and a lot more deaths. That is simply my belief, and I will also express my position publicly,” he said.

The prime minister also noted that his government will not block the EU’s planned €50 billion ($54.4 billion) aid package for Ukraine, and will support Ukraine’s EU membership perspective.

Scholz said European counties should step up support for Ukraine to help Ukrainians defend their country against Russia.

“No country is more desperate for peace than Ukraine, but after two years of war we have to acknowledge that there is no easy solution in sight,” he said.

Scholz renewed his demand to Russian President Vladimir Putin to withdraw troops and pave the way for a lasting and just peace.

“The Russian president can end this war at any time, but if Ukraine and Ukrainians stop defending themselves, that will be the end of Ukraine,” he said.