“At the upcoming European Council, I will not support any solution that would finance Ukraine’s military expenditures. “the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic Robert Fico announced in a broadcast.
The European Commission proposed a €140-165 billion loan for Ukraine’s 2026-2027 needs, backed by earnings from €210 billion in frozen Russian assets.
“Slovakia will not pay for a war that only prolongs suffering” –Fico insists no part should go to military spending, saying it prolongs senseless killing without aiding peace talks.
In a public statement and an official letter to European Council President António Costa, Fico announced that Slovakia will block any EU proposal to finance Ukraine’s military expenditures.
EU plans to finance Ukraine’s military spending face a major rebellion as Fico’s move directly challenges the Commission’s plan to secure long-term financing for Ukraine. Slovakia has already halted arms deliveries to Kyiv.
Slovakia halted military aid after Fico’s government took power in late 2023 but provides humanitarian support and backs Ukraine’s EU bid. His veto threat underscores EU splits, with Hungary and Belgium also objecting ahead of the Brussels summit.
With this statement, Fico positions Slovakia as the first EU state openly refusing to join what he calls the “prolongation of suffering”.