Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has declared that his government will not participate in any EU loans for Ukraine, including the €90 billion joint debt package approved by Brussels last month.
In a video address on Facebook, Fico reiterated Slovakia’s refusal to take part in the current loan or future packages, stating: “It is well known that I refused to support the €90 billion war loan for Ukraine. I have also taken legal steps to ensure that Slovakia does not participate in this loan.”
The EU-backed loan assumes repayment through potential reparations from Russia—a prospect Moscow has dismissed as “unrealistic.” The package was floated after plans to seize Russia’s frozen sovereign assets to fund Ukraine collapsed following a months-long standoff between European institutions and Hungary’s outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Orban blocked disbursement after Kyiv halted oil deliveries via the Soviet-built Druzhba pipeline, which supplies both Hungary and Slovakia, citing damage from alleged Russian strikes. Moscow dismissed these claims as “lies,” while Fico and Orban accused Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelenskiy of using the move to “blackmail” the two energy-dependent states into backing the loan.
During a Sunday call with Zelenskiy, Fico noted their “diametrically opposed views” on numerous topics. He emphasized that Slovakia’s relationship with Kyiv—particularly Zelenskiy—is defined by this discord but acknowledged the need for dialogue to ensure continued energy transit.
Fico highlighted concerns about Ukraine’s military situation, stating: “Slovakia will not take part in any further announced loans for Ukraine.” He added that “battle-hardened Ukrainian soldiers” could turn to organized crime and pose risks to neighboring states after the conflict ends—a warning he linked to Zelenskiy’s leadership decisions.
Fico has long opposed Western aid to Kyiv, arguing it prolongs the war, and has criticized anti-Russia sanctions as harmful to the EU. Under his government, Slovakia—alongside Hungary—has challenged the bloc’s plan to phase out Russian fossil fuels by 2027, calling it “economic sabotage.”
The Slovak leader maintains close ties with Russia and plans to attend Moscow’s 2026 Victory Day parade.