Slovak leader’s Nato-Russia war comments anger Czech Republic

BRATISLAVA: Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has infuriated the Czech Republic by accusing Western politicians of deliberately provoking a NATO war with Russia. Fico expressed his concerns on a Facebook video, suggesting that NATO's strategy to destroy Russia through the ongoing war in Ukraine is misguided. He claimed that if the current approach fails, everything must be done to instigate a conflict between NATO and Russia.

This statement comes amid increased concerns among European leaders about shadow operations across the continent attributed to Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The Czech Republic's President Petr Pavel, a former NATO general, strongly condemned Fico's remarks, stating that they do not understand the concept of solidarity and urging the Czech Republic not to follow this path.

Fico, who is the only EU leader maintaining close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasized that Slovakia does not want to be involved in an armed conflict under Article 5 of the NATO treaty, which mandates compulsory military assistance when a member is attacked.