Slovakia: Several NATO and EU Members Considering Sending Troops to Ukraine

Robert Fico, the Prime Minister of Slovakia, stated on Monday, February 26, that some EU and NATO member countries are considering sending military forces to Ukraine on a bilateral basis. Fico, who has long opposed military supplies to Ukraine and is viewed by some critics as pro-Russian, did not provide any details. Reuters reported that other European leaders did not immediately comment on his remarks. Fico, prior to a meeting of European leaders in Paris, stated that the preparations for the Paris meeting 'indicate that a number of NATO and EU member countries intend to send their forces to Ukraine bilaterally.' He added, 'I cannot say for what purpose they are sending troops and what their mission is.' However, he emphasized that Slovakia, as a member of the EU and NATO, would not send military forces to Ukraine. NATO members have provided billions of dollars in weapons and ammunition to Kyiv and are training Ukrainian forces. However, NATO leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, have stressed that the Western military alliance aims to assist Ukraine while avoiding direct conflict with Russia, which could lead to a world war. Jens Stoltenberg, NATO's Secretary-General, stated on February 14, 'Neither NATO nor NATO allies are parties to the conflict with Russia.' NATO did not immediately comment on Fico's statements. Petr Fiala, the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, in response to a question about Fico's remarks, said his country is certainly not prepared to send troops to Ukraine, and no one should be concerned about this issue. Fico noted that he sees the risk of a widespread escalation of conflicts in Ukraine but cannot disclose more information to the public. About 20 European leaders, including Fico, are gathering in Paris on Monday to send a message to Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, about the Europeans' determination to support Ukraine as they enter the third year of the invasion. Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, invited European leaders to participate in this emergency meeting at the Élysée Palace, which his advisors say was necessitated by the escalation of Russian aggression in recent weeks against Ukraine. Fico stated that holding this meeting shows that the West's strategy regarding Ukraine has failed. He said that although the topics to be discussed 'send shivers down the spine,' he will participate in the meeting with a constructive spirit.