Slovakia sees no point in financing Ukraine with 50 billion euros

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico expressed his support for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s “legitimate” opposition to changes in the European Union budget that would allocate €50 billion in aid to Ukraine. Fico commented on Hungary’s decision to block the EU budget revision for the establishment of a four-year support program for Ukraine, stating that even if these funds were approved, “nothing will change in two to three years.”

Fico emphasized that escalating the conflict with more casualties on both sides would not lead to progress. He predicted that Russia would maintain military control over Donetsk and Luhansk, and while they wouldn’t leave Crimea, their negotiating position would strengthen.

While acknowledging the need to assist Ukraine, Fico questioned the effectiveness of current aid measures, such as monthly payments of €1.5 billion from the European Union and imposed sanctions on Russia. He raised concerns about the duration of these efforts. After meeting with Fico, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban maintained his stance against approving a €50 billion, four-year macro-financial support program for Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of ensuring it does not negatively impact the EU budget.