Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has said that lasting peace and security in Europe cannot be achieved without Russia, while warning Western countries against what he described as Russophobia and the demonisation of Moscow.
Speaking at a ceremony in Banská Bystrica marking the 82nd anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising against Nazi Germany, Fico argued that Russia should remain part of Europe’s security framework.
Fico also urged Western countries to acknowledge what he described as the reality of a “peer” Russia existing alongside them.
The Slovak prime minister said the European Union should focus on diplomacy and economic development rather than confrontation with Moscow.
Fico also warned against the spread of Russophobia and drew a parallel between contemporary political developments and the legacy of World War II.
By Tamilla Hasanova
