Czechia has quarreled with Slovakia over Ukraine

Czechia has suspended intergovernmental consultations with Slovakia because the position of Fico’s government “appeals to Putin’s interests.” This was stated by Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, as reported by Aktuality.

Fiala emphasized the historical closeness between the two nations but expressed concern over Slovakia’s opposing stance on key issues, particularly its recent meeting between Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar and Lavrov.

In response, Slovakia’s Prime Minister, Fico, affirmed the enduring nature of Slovak-Czech relations but insisted that Czechia’s decision wouldn’t affect Slovakia’s independent foreign policy. Fico criticized Czechia’s actions, suggesting that they stemmed from Czechia’s support for the war in Ukraine, contrasting Slovakia’s stance advocating for peace. This disagreement underscores differing perceptions of the conflict, as Fico previously characterized the conflict’s origins dating back to 2014 and lamented the violence in Ukraine while accusing the West of inaction.