Robert Fico’s party, which does not support unrestricted aid to Ukraine, is currently in talks with potential coalition partners. The impact of Slovakia’s recent parliamentary election on its approach to Ukraine is uncertain, according to Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. Kuleba stated that Ukraine respects Slovakia’s election results and that it is too early to determine the effect on Slovakia’s support for Ukraine until a coalition is formed. Fico’s SMER-SSD party, known for its criticism of unconditional support for Ukraine, won the most votes in the election. Fico expressed willingness to assist Ukraine in a humanitarian capacity and help with reconstruction efforts, but reiterated his opposition to arming Ukraine. He has previously emphasized that Slovakia has other pressing issues to address, such as rising living costs and illegal immigration.
Slovakia’s Progressive Party, which supports continued aid to Ukraine, came in second in the election. Fico’s party may potentially form a coalition with the moderate-left HLAS party or the pro-Russian Slovak National Party. Fico expects coalition talks to take up to two weeks. Slovakia has been a supporter of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, providing significant military assistance. However, there is a growing sentiment among some Slovaks sympathetic to Russia’s perspective that the West is decadent and hegemonic. Fico’s leadership may bring Slovakia closer to Hungary, the only EU and NATO member opposing unconditional support for Ukraine. Hungary’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, has congratulated Fico on his electoral victory.
Additionally, the U.S. Congress approved an emergency spending bill that did not include funding for Ukraine, raising concerns about continued support. However, the U.S. maintains that its support for Ukraine remains strong, although some Republican lawmakers, particularly supporters of former President Donald Trump, are becoming more vocal in opposing aid to Ukraine. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Kuleba, expressed confidence in U.S. support for Ukraine’s war effort.
In response to Slovakia’s leadership change, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow hopes to see more politicians like Fico who are experienced and can realistically assess the situation. He rejected the characterization of Fico as “pro-Russian” and criticized the tendency to label European politicians defending their country’s interests as such. Before the Slovak parliamentary election, Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service accused the U.S. of attempting to influence the results in favor of Slovakia’s Progressive Party. The Slovak Foreign Ministry condemned the false statement and protested against the Russian intelligence’s claim that cast doubt on the integrity of the election.