Bratislava: Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated on Sunday that the ongoing war in Ukraine "has no military solution" and emphasized the need for dialogue with Russia to resolve the conflict that has been ongoing since 2022.

According to Anadolu Agency, during a press conference with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Bratislava, Fico highlighted the pressures Slovakia faces when its policies do not align with others, noting attempts to create obstacles against Slovakia's sovereign decisions. He reiterated his belief that continued military action will not bring about a resolution to the conflict.

Fico expressed concerns over the effectiveness of the sanctions imposed on Moscow, questioning their impact and calling for diplomatic initiatives instead. He criticized the focus on sanctions, stating that European countries should have pursued peace initiatives.

Discussing energy disputes, Fico accused Kyiv of politicizing gas and oil supplies, which he claimed has resulted in significant income loss for Slovakia. He emphasized the economic repercussions of changes in gas transit and highlighted the political pressure exerted on Slovakia and Hungary.

Fico also criticized the European Union's economic strategies and warned of a deep economic crisis. Despite his criticisms, he asserted Slovakia's support for Ukraine's EU aspirations, provided they meet the required criteria.

Concluding his remarks, Fico called for engagement with Russia, underscoring the necessity of maintaining dialogue even with adversaries. He stressed the importance of communication with the Russian Federation and its president, Vladimir Putin.