Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on Saturday (20 January) alleged neighbouring Ukraine was not a sovereign nation but was under the absolute control of the United States, in embrace of a Russian conspiracy theory.

The populist politician, who is against military aid to the war-torn country and opposes sanctions against Russia, also reiterated his opposition to Ukraine’s bid to join NATO.

“Ukraine is not an independent and sovereign country,” Fico told public broadcaster RTVS. “Ukraine is under the total influence and control of the United States.”

Slovakia is a member of both NATO and the European Union.

Fico is due to meet his Ukrainian counterpart Denys Shmyhal on Wednesday in the city of Uzhhorod, western Ukraine, on the border with Slovakia.

“I will tell him that I am against the membership of Ukraine in NATO and that I will veto it,” Fico said.

  • DragonTypeWyvern@literature.cafe
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    10 months ago

    Population of Ukraine: 37 million

    GDP: $360 billion

    Military: Possibly the strongest in Europe atm, comparable to Turkey as an alliance member at worst.

    Strategic value: High

    Population of Slovakia: 5 million

    GDP: $116 billion

    Military: Literally one division of troops that have never seen combat

    Strategic value: Could not be lower.