Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico faced scrutiny from the European Affairs Committee of the National Council after his controversial trip to Moscow and meeting with Vladimir Putin. During the session, Fico made startling claims that align alarmingly with Russian narratives on Ukraine, declaring that “Russia will never return Donetsk, Luhansk, or Crimea” and predicting that Ukraine would lose “a third of its territory” while being “occupied by foreign troops.” His remarks, which contradict EU and NATO positions, undermine international commitments to Ukraine’s sovereignty and echo propaganda designed to weaken European unity and embolden authoritarian regimes.
During the committee session, a visibly irritated Fico declared, “Russia will never return Donetsk, Luhansk, or Crimea. Never.” He further asserted that Ukraine would likely “lose a third of its territory and be occupied by foreign troops.” These statements reflect a shift in Slovakia’s discourse, prompting concerns about their alignment with Russian narratives.
1. Recognition of Russian Control: Fico’s assertion about the permanence of Russian control over Donetsk, Luhansk, and Crimea contrasts sharply with EU and NATO policy, which continue to recognise Ukraine’s sovereignty over these territories under international law.
2. Predictions of Ukrainian Territorial Losses: His claim that Ukraine faces territorial disintegration echoes rhetoric frequently employed by Russian officials and media, portraying the situation as irreparable for Kyiv while downplaying the illegality of Russia’s actions under international norms such as the UN Charter.
3. Implications of ‘Foreign Troops’ Occupation: References to Ukraine being “occupied by foreign troops” align with narratives that frame Western support as intrusive or exploitative. These claims overlook the nature of Ukraine’s international partnerships, which are grounded in its sovereign decisions and aligned with international principles of defence cooperation.
Fico’s remarks stand in stark contrast to the European Union’s official stance, which reaffirms unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. The EU has consistently emphasised, through its Council Conclusions on Ukraine, that maintaining pressure on Russia via sanctions and diplomatic isolation is vital to upholding international law and preventing further destabilisation in Europe .
NATO has similarly underscored in its official communiqués that supporting Ukraine is critical to preserving collective security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area . Recognising territorial gains achieved through aggression, as repeatedly highlighted in EU policy frameworks, undermines the international legal order and sets dangerous precedents that could embolden other authoritarian regimes to pursue similar violations of sovereignty . Experts, including analysts from institutions such as the European Council on Foreign Relations, have further warned that abandoning Ukraine could weaken the European security architecture, increasing the risk of regional escalation and broader instability.
Transcript of Fico's statement: "Russia will never return Donetsk, Luhansk, or Crimea. Never. But no one will recognize that. That's the reality. Do you know what will happen to Ukraine? Ukraine will lose a third of its territory and be occupied by foreign troops. This is what Ukraine will get."
Source: Denník N
