by RT News
Slovakia will not participate in any European Union loans for Ukraine, including the €90 billion joint debt package approved by Brussels last month, Prime Minister Robert Fico has confirmed.
Bratislava had already opted out of servicing the loan alongside Hungary and the Czech Republic, citing financial risk concerns. In a video address, Fico made his position clear.
“It is well known that I refused to support the €90 billion war loan for Ukraine. I have also taken legal steps to ensure that Slovakia does not participate in this loan.”
“Slovakia will not take part in any further announced loans for Ukraine.”
The Structure Of The Loan
The EU package is based on joint borrowing, with repayment expected if Kiev secures reparations from Russia — a prospect Moscow has dismissed as “unrealistic.”
The plan emerged after earlier attempts to seize Russian sovereign assets failed following a prolonged dispute between Brussels and Hungary.
Energy Tensions Behind The Decision
The situation escalated after Ukraine halted oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline, a key supply route for both Slovakia and Hungary.
Kiev attributed the disruption to alleged Russian strikes, claims Moscow rejected as “lies.”
Fico and Hungarian leadership accused Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky of using the move as leverage.
“Blackmail.”
Supply resumed shortly after, allowing the EU loan package to proceed.
A Divided Europe
Hungary’s political transition has added another layer of complexity. While the incoming government has maintained its refusal to join the loan, it has signalled it will not block EU funding for Ukraine moving forward.
This leaves the bloc in a fragmented position:
- Some members funding Ukraine through joint debt
- Others refusing participation
- Political unity increasingly strained
Ongoing Tensions With Kiev
Fico acknowledged that relations with Ukraine remain difficult.
“[The relationship] is marked by diametrically opposed views.”
However, he also noted the necessity of maintaining dialogue due to geographic and energy realities.
“We are obliged to engage in dialogue.”
Following a recent call between the two leaders, Zelensky suggested he had secured Slovak backing for Ukraine’s EU bid. Fico downplayed that interpretation, stating he sees “more advantages… than disadvantages” in potential membership, but stopped short of full endorsement.
He also raised concerns about long-term security implications.
“Battle-hardened Ukrainian soldiers” potentially contributing to organised crime risks in neighbouring countries once the conflict ends.
A Broader Policy Position
Fico has consistently opposed Western military and financial support for Ukraine, arguing it prolongs the conflict. He has also criticised sanctions on Russia as damaging to European economies.
Slovakia, alongside Hungary, has challenged EU plans to phase out Russian energy imports by 2027, describing the policy as “economic sabotage.”
The Bigger Picture
The decision highlights a widening divide within the European Union:
- Financial burden sharing is no longer uniform
- Energy security remains a central fault line
- Political alignment on Ukraine is weakening
While the EU continues to move forward with funding, the cracks are becoming increasingly visible.
Final Thought
Slovakia’s refusal is not just about one loan.
It reflects a deeper shift in how member states are weighing:
- Economic risk
- Energy security
- And geopolitical alignment
The longer the conflict continues, the harder it becomes to maintain a unified European position.