Slovak Leader Warns Europe Is Closer to War With Russia

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Saturday that some Western politicians want a direct conflict between NATO and Russia. In his view, the West's strategy to defeat Moscow in Ukraine has failed, and rather than admit that, some leaders are escalating. Fico has long kept warm relations with Russia and refuses to send military aid to Ukraine — a stance that puts him at odds with most of his European neighbours.

Fico also said Europe is closer than ever to a large-scale war spilling out of the Ukraine conflict. He described the situation as a "mortal danger" and accused the West of "pouring fuel on the fire" with its support for Kyiv. His comments are a claim, not a confirmed fact: no NATO country has sent troops to fight Russia directly, and the alliance has repeatedly said it is not at war with Moscow.

Other European leaders see the risk differently. Officials in France and Poland have warned about Russian hybrid attacks — meaning sabotage, cyber strikes, disinformation and other non-military moves aimed at destabilising European countries. For them, the danger comes from Russia, not from Western support for Ukraine.

Why does this matter beyond Slovakia? Fico leads a NATO and European Union member state, so his words carry weight inside the alliance. They also highlight a growing split in Europe: some governments want to keep arming Ukraine, while others want talks and a freeze in fighting. A divided Europe is weaker at the negotiating table, and shifts in aid could change how long the war lasts.