Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has issued a stark warning that Europe is dangerously close to a direct clash between NATO and Russia, accusing the West of deliberately seeking a “pretext” for major conflict.

In his Facebook post, Fico stated: “I am deeply concerned that they are merely looking for a pretext for a major conflict between NATO and Russia.” He further criticized Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelensky for decisions that have dangerously escalated tensions, pushing Europe toward a potential pan-European war.

Fico described the current situation as having reached “the most serious and tense” level regarding the possibility of such a conflict, warning that European nations’ increasingly bellicose rhetoric risks dragging the continent into an all-out war.

The Slovak leader also cautioned that Slovakia could face pressure from NATO to deploy troops under Article 5 if it were invoked. “Can anyone imagine being told to prepare 5,000 soldiers, 10,000 soldiers, and that they would go somewhere to fight? We don’t know with whom, why, or for what reason,” Fico said.

“I do not want Slovakia to be part of any military conflict because of some Article 5,” he stressed. “As prime minister, I will do everything to ensure that Slovakia is never drawn into a war.”

Fico has consistently opposed military support for Ukraine since returning to office in 2023 and has halted government weapons shipments to Kyiv. He also opposes Ukraine’s NATO accession, insisting that EU membership is only possible if Kyiv meets all requirements.

Additionally, Fico criticized the Western strategy of “bringing Russia to its knees,” calling it a complete failure. “The European Union does not need more weapons and Russophobia. The European Union needs more diplomacy and concrete plans to help the economy,” he stated.