The international community may need to forgive Russia for its actions and resume dialogue with Moscow as a means to end the war in Ukraine. This was stated by Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar, quoted by The Kyiv Independent, reports News.bg.
His statement comes at a time when Slovakia has requested a postponement of the adoption of the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia until it has been assessed how the new measures will affect member states in connection with the RePowerEU initiative. It aims to end dependence on Russian fossil fuels by 2030 in response to the Russian invasion.
Blanar stressed that the war cannot be resolved on the battlefield and called for a return to diplomacy and international law. “Let's get back to respect for international law and to seek ways to communicate with the Russian Federation. And maybe even forgive everything that happened,” he said.
His comments reflect Slovakia’s departure from the broader pro-Ukrainian stance of the EU and NATO. Under Prime Minister Robert Fico, Bratislava has adopted a more conciliatory tone towards Moscow, including by maintaining diplomatic engagement while most Western countries severed ties with Russia following the 2022 invasion.
Earlier this year, Fico attended the Victory Day parade in Moscow, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. At the same time, the Slovak prime minister has dismissed the possibility of meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. “I see no reason to meet with the Ukrainian president. My meeting with him is of no importance because he hates me,” Fico said in an interview. Zelensky has yet to respond publicly to this statement.
Although Fico ended military aid to Ukraine upon taking office in 2023, he paradoxically supported its European future. “Ukraine's EU membership brings more advantages than disadvantages for Slovakia,” the prime minister said.