Fico About-Turn On Ukraine Could Calm EU Concerns, Limit Fallout

Prime Minister Robert Fico has seemingly engaged in a notable about-turn with regards to his gov'ts stance on the war in Ukraine. On a visit to the Ukrainian city of Uzhhorod to meet with his Ukrainian counterpart Denys Shmyhal the FT reports, "Fico claimed there were only “minor” political differences with Kyiv, which were part of “political life”, adding: “We really want to assist you, we really want to help you.”." The comments come in stark contrast to those made by Fico just 24 hours ago, in which he appeared to questionthe impact of the war on the city of Kyiv. Fico had also made the claimthat Ukraine is “not an independent and sovereign nation” and added that it must give up part of its territory to Russia.

• Euractiv reports: "In a final document signed by the two prime ministers [...] Fico took the opposite approach, stating that both countries are ready for further cooperation aimed at restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The joint document also states that Slovakia will continue to support Ukraine’s integration and participate in its reconstruction."
• Fico's stance on Ukraine had raised serious concerns in Brussels that the Slovakian gov't could end up standing alongside Hungary in vetoing or otherwise obstructing EU efforts to provide military and financial support to Ukraine. A more supportive (or at least less antagonistic) stance towards Kyiv could improve the gov'ts standing in Brussels and limit the prospects of the isolation of Slovakia within the bloc.