Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico issued a warning against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine and rising military tensions in Europe.
Speaking in Prešov, Fico said the possibility of a large-scale military conflict in Europe was a source of serious concern for him.
“The situation has never been this serious”
Fico said that, in his assessment, the war in Ukraine had “spun out of control” and expressed concern over the intensification of military rhetoric in Europe.
The Slovak prime minister stressed that peace in Europe cannot be taken for granted and warned that the situation could deteriorate further.
Fico does not want Slovakia drawn into war
The prime minister stressed that Slovakia remains a NATO member and is fulfilling its obligations within the North Atlantic Alliance.
At the same time, Fico said he did not want his country to become involved in an armed conflict.
He said that, as prime minister, he intended to do everything possible to prevent Slovakia from becoming directly involved in the war.
Fico mentioned NATO Article 5
In his speech, the Slovak prime minister also addressed Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty.
It establishes the principle of collective defence, under which an armed attack against one NATO member is regarded as an attack against all members of the alliance.
Fico stressed the importance of Slovakia’s NATO membership while also saying that the country must not be drawn into a military conflict.
Fico is heading to Ukraine
Fico’s statements came ahead of his visit to Ukraine.
The Slovak prime minister said he would take part on September 18 in an event in Ukraine attended by representatives of several European countries.
Meetings with representatives of the Ukrainian leadership are also planned during the visit.
Fico said he intended to discuss the war in Ukraine and the state of European security during the trip.
