Fico Opposes NATO's Multi-Billion Aid for Ukraine, Fears World War III

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has voiced strong opposition to NATO's plans to approve multi-billion financial aid for Ukraine at the upcoming summit in Ankara on July 7–8. He described the proposed assistance as "large-scale" and said he intends to hold a meeting next week with top constitutional officials, including Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák.

Fico aims to ensure that the Slovak delegation goes to the summit without a mandate "to involve Slovakia in further military loans or financial contributions." He added that he cannot prevent other countries that "want to throw money into the war."

"Do you know what could happen? Some drone will fly here, intentionally or unintentionally, crash into a residential building, there will be dead or wounded, and World War III could end up on our agenda. Therefore, on behalf of Slovakia, I declare: no support for war, Slovakia will not pay for Ukraine's military expenses," Fico was quoted as saying.

At the Ankara summit, NATO member states are expected to commit to new arms supply contracts worth billions of dollars and increase weapons production, including for Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte previously stated that there will be no separate Ukraine-NATO Council meeting at the Turkey summit. Ukraine will be represented at the summit by a delegation led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.